As Shohei Ohtani recovers from elbow surgery, doctor offers glimpse into injury

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The future of Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani could not be murkier. 

After another outstanding season in which Ohtani led the American League with 44 home runs, the Japanese star will become a free agent after the World Series as he prepares to be offered an unprecedented contract. 

From left: General manager Perry Minasian, Shohei Ohtani and manager Phil Nevin of the Los Angeles Angels appear at Angel Stadium of Anaheim in Anaheim, California, on Saturday. (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Ohtani is a marvel, dominating both on the mound and at the plate as a modern-day Babe Ruth. His two-way talent makes his value hard to calculate, and his recent surgery makes it even more difficult. 

Ohtani underwent surgery on his right elbow — the second of his career — on Sept. 19 after tearing his ulnar collateral ligament on Aug. 23. 

SHOHEI OHTANI'S LOCKER CLEARED OUT; ANGELS SHUT DOWN TWO-WAY STAR FOR REST OF THE SEASON

In an announcement from Ohtani’s agent, Dr. Neal ElAttrache provided information on the surgery without saying that Ohtani underwent a second Tommy John procedure. 

"The ultimate plan after deliberation with Shohei was to repair the issue at hand and to reinforce the healthy ligament in place while adding viable tissue for the longevity of the elbow," ElAttrache said. "I expect full recovery, and he’ll be ready to hit without any restrictions come Opening Day of 2024 and do both (hit and pitch) come 2025."

ElAttrache also performed the Tommy John surgery on Ohtani on Oct. 1, 2018, according to The Associated Press. 

Dr. Christopher Ahmad, chief of sports medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University