Los Angeles Angels two-way phenom and 2023 MVP favourite Shohei Ohtani not solely had his season come to a untimely finish earlier this week attributable to damage, however one other wrinkle has emerged that’s certain to lift eyebrows.
On Saturday, Angels normal supervisor Perry Minasian revealed that the crew supplied to conduct an MRI on Ohtani’s arm earlier this month when troubles first arrived, however he and his agent refused.
Minasian advised Jeffrey Fletcher of the East Bay Occasions that Ohtani’s camp did not assume a check was “essential.”
Minasian feedback are fascinating as a result of he made a degree to say earlier within the week that no imagining on Ohtani’s arm occurred after the Angels skipped one in every of his begins attributable to arm fatigue.
Whether or not or not assessments would’ve revealed any data that might’ve prevented Ohtani from being shut down is up for debate. Nevertheless, the newest revelation is certain to maintain chatter going about which aspect is perhaps in charge.
Whereas Minasian fanned the flames, instantly or not directly, Angels supervisor Phil Nevin tried to extinguish issues a bit. He advised Fletcher that it wasn’t unusual for gamers to reject an MRI, including that he mentioned no “many occasions” when requested throughout his enjoying days.
Regardless, it is a horrible scenario for all concerned. The Angels lose arguably the sport’s greatest star, presumably for good.
In the meantime, Ohtani’s profession and private wealth will probably take successful. Not solely will Ohtani in all probability should stroll away from the mound for not less than a full season, however the ulnar collateral ligament tear in his proper elbow will probably value him roughly $100M on the open market.
Accidents are part of sports activities, however for the Angels, the timing of Ohtani’s would possibly hang-out them perpetually. Solely time and the free agent market will inform the story.
