Shohei Ohtani, nicknamed “Shotime,” is one of the rare players who both pitches and hits and does both really well. Following his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2018, Shotime established himself as the sport’s greatest two-way player.
As his journey began, he went on to become the first player in major league history to be named an All-Star as both a pitcher and a position player.
According to recent reports, it is being said that Shohei Ohtani’s locker was cleared out following the Angels’ 11-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers. As the player missed his 11th consecutive game with an oblique muscle injury, Shotime will miss the remainder of the season. Shohei was at the stadium before the game, and the soon-to-be free agent’s locker was largely empty afterward.
Why Is Shohei Ohtani’s Locker Cleaned Out?
The Los Angeles Angels announced that Shohei Ohtani has been placed on the 10-day injured with an oblique injury, and he will not play again this year. His locker at Angel Stadium was cleared out as all of his baseball gear and personal belongings were no longer in his locker. Even his water bottle was in the trash following the team’s loss to the Detroit Tigers on Friday.
Reportedly, Shohei Ohtani’s locker has been cleared out because of his injury. Talking about his injury, General Manager Perry Minasian told reporters that Shotime will have a procedure on his elbow soon and will remain with the Angels through the end of the regular season. While he also has a torn ligament in his right pitching elbow, Tommy John surgery is the usual treatment for torn elbow ligaments.
Has Shohei Ohtani Left The Los Angeles Angels?
The statement by the GM and the recent situation do not fit quite well. Watching his locker being cleared out, it can assumed that Shohei Ohtani will be no longer associated with The Los Angeles Angels. His personal items were also removed from his locker, and the adjoining empty stall gave a hint that the player was done with the team.
Notably, a fully packed bag with a logo from the 2023 All-Star Game sat in front of his stall where his shoes would normally be, but it was not there. It only had a few workout shirts hung on the rack.
The reporters were allowed into the locker room and noticed the absence of Shotime, to which a spokesman from Angels said the team would give more information about the development Saturday.
What Is Next For Shohei Ohtani?
While it is likely that Ohtani has played his final game for The Los Angeles Angels, he will be a free agent this offseason. He was last seen playing at the Labor Day weekend in Oakland, where he went 0 for 3 with two walks.
Shohei Ohtani mentioned that he wants to play with a contender, and he will certainly be a hot commodity. As he has to get an elbow surgery, Ohtani might sign a deal in the neighborhood of $500 million after he is physically fit to get back on the field.
It would be interesting to see how Shohei Ohtani takes his career ahead after his elbow surgery. Let us know in the comments what do you think about the comeback of the Shotime.
We hope that the player gets well soon and wish for his speedy recovery.
