LA Angels Shohei Otani, who had elbow surgery and ended the season early, is said to be ‘media-friendly’ unlike other Japanese major leaguers.
In fact, when you look at news about Otani reported by local media, his comments are always quoted. In addition to official interviews, we are always open to individual media interviews. But since when did fans stop listening to what Otani said?
The most recent interview in which Ohtani revealed his position 스포츠토토was after he started and finished the game against the San Francisco Giants at Angel Stadium on August 10th (Korean time). That was 47 days ago. Ohtani gave up 3 hits and 3 walks in 6 innings, struck out 5, and gave up 1 unearned run, leading the team to a 4-1 victory and achieving his 10th win of the season. He also contributed to the attack by going 0-for-2, walking two, and scoring one run at the plate.
However, Otani didn’t seem to be in very good condition at the time. His average fastball velocity was 95.5 mph, 1.4 mph less than his season average. It was around the time that blisters and cramps on his fingers began to become an issue at the end of June.
After the game, he said, “There was nothing wrong with my finger. I just didn’t like the pitching throughout today’s game,” and added, “I think all of our players are at the point where fatigue is at its peak. I’m not the only one. Tomorrow is an off day, so let’s take care of our bodies. “I’ll see how my condition is. If I need some rest, I’ll tell the team.” This was the day I actually confessed that a problem with my right arm had already surfaced.
In the end, he skipped the next appearance, and two weeks later, on August 24th, he appeared on the mound in the first game of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds and voluntarily resigned after complaining of right arm fatigue while pitching in the second inning. He ended his season as a pitcher due to a ruptured elbow ligament. He suffered an oblique muscle injury on September 5th and continued to miss the season as a hitter. He underwent elbow surgery on the 20th, officially ending his season.
For about a month, while the details of the series of injuries became known, Ohtani refrained from contact with the media. However, he only expressed his feelings on his Instagram immediately after undergoing elbow surgery.