Shohei Ohtani suffers arm injury, will still DH

Los Angeles Angels pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani suffered an arm injury which will most likely prevent him from pitching again in the 2020 season.

It is unlikely that Shohei Ohtani will not pitch again in the 2020 season. Ohtani suffered a strain to the flexor pronator mass according to Angels beat writer Jeff Fletcher.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan provided an explanation of the injury that is a bit easier to understand.

From the sounds of it a return to the mound this season is highly unlikely for Ohtani. On the bright side he is still available to DH for the team which is still la valuable asset. Ohtani has proven to be a productive hitter for Los Angeles and now they will get his bat a few more days in the lineup compared to when he had to pitch and was unable to hit.

Shohei Ohtani was not pitching well before this injury and it was a concern. In 1.2 innings Ohtani allowed 7 runs on 3 hits while walking 8 batters and only striking out 3. This is not what was expected from the dynamic two-way player that the Angels signed prior to the 2018 season. The 2020 season was supposed to be the triumphant return to the mound for Ohtani after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Unfortunately Ohtani will have to wait just a bit longer before pitching again.