Ohtani Has Elbow Surgery–Expects Hitting Return by Opening Day ‘24 and Pitching by ’25. Rays Beat Angels

Ohtani Has Elbow Surgery–Expects Hitting Return by Opening Day ‘24 and Pitching by ’25. Rays Beat Angels
Shohei Ohtani (17) of the Los Angeles Angels throws against the Cincinnati Reds in the second inning during game one of a doubleheader at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, Calif., on August 23, 2023. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.—Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani had elbow surgery Tuesday, September 19, and his doctor said he expects the two-way star will be available as a hitter on opening day next season and will return to the mound as a pitcher in 2025.

Ohtani tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on Aug. 23, ending his pitching season. He continued as a batter through Sept. 3 until an oblique strain.