The Los Angeles Dodgers made a huge investment to bring a generational star to their roster.
Contract structure aside, they signed Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract and made sure to roster the best and most complete player in baseball for the next decade.
Ohtani, however, won’t be able to pitch in the 2024 season.
He suffered an elbow injury late last season: it was a torn UCL, usually associated with Tommy John surgery.
It was revealed a few weeks ago, however, that he didn’t undergo Tommy John surgery, but instead a different type of procedure.
In a recent media appearance, the cameras got his scar in full HD, via FOX Sports: MLB.
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) February 4, 2024
The elbow procedure he recently underwent was completely different from the Tommy John surgery he had back in 2018.
He is still out (barring a miracle) for the 2024 campaign as a pitcher, but Tommy John would have likely delayed his 2025 debut from the mound.
It’s unclear if the scar on the picture is from the 2018 surgery or the one he had recently.
It’s likely the latter.
The Dodgers hope he can return to a full spring training as a two-way player in 2025.
For now, in 2024, he will be fairly limited by the elbow surgery recovery but is expected to be ready to hit and field by Opening Day.
If given the chance to play 150 games or so this year, Ohtani has a shot at a truly historic offensive season with LA.
Hopefully, he can stay healthy and focused.
If we are lucky, we are going to watch Ohtani play postseason baseball in MLB for the first time in his life.
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