In the last few days, we learned that Shohei Ohtani should play one last week before deciding to end his season to have surgery.
Remember that the choice hitter in him can do his job, but not the pitcher.
If all goes well, Ohtani could therefore start the next season on time as a hitter. That said, as a pitcher, it’s unlikely that anyone who should have a Tommy John will pitch in 2024.
His agent Nez Balelo also confirmed yesterday that an operation will be necessary before relaunching. He, however, would not confirm if it was going to be a Tommy John or when it was going to take place.
In his eyes, he will be able to hit from the start of the 2024 season and he has absolutely not given up on his long-term pitching career. On the contrary.
He also mentioned that the pitcher was lucky because his 2018 Tommy John didn’t let go. It’s another different elbow injury that’s preventing him from pitching right now.
There are some luckier ones, but hey.
That said, in the short term, it’s time he stopped playing. He didn’t play yesterday after hurting an oblique in a rare pre-game batting practice on his part.
He will undergo tests this morning on this subject.
Note that his agent would not confirm if the star player would take a short-term contract or if he would put down roots somewhere long-term this winter. I see him signing for the long term.
- Positioner David Fry has thrown more (four innings, seven ERAs) than starter Lucas Giolito. The Guardians suffered a heavy defeat (20-6) against the Twins.
- AJ Pollock is a free man.
- 40 homers and 39 doubles for Kyle Schwarber.
