Injuries are a common trend in sports, as recently evidenced by Aaron Judge, Mike Trout, and others. However, a truly remarkable feat lies in delivering an outstanding performance that culminates in victory even when suffering a severe injury. This scenario is rare, as players generally go out of the field after getting injured. But nothing seems impossible for the Los Angeles Angels two-way phenom,?Shohei Ohtani.?
During the Los Angeles Angels’ last game with the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday, their DH got his UCL torn. Although the Japanese star is held back from pitching for the remainder of the season, nothing can stop the two-way phenomenon from hitting. During his latest outing against the New York Mets, the Angles star couldn’t resist giving his exceptional play, earning fans praise as far as being called a GOAT.
Fans Praise Shohei Ohtani As GOAT for Fighting For His Team After Getting Severely Injured
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Though sports fields can be brutal to players, fans are among the best blessings players can have. They support their idol, praise them, and never hesitate to fight for them if required. After Wednesday’s game, everyone was worried about the 29-year-old Japanese sensation’s pitching future. However, on Friday, the baseball enthusiasts witnessed an extraordinary feat. Sports Analyst Ben Verlander posted a video on his Twitter handle wherein Ohtani hit his?“8th hardest hit ball of the season…”
Shohei Ohtani double!!
His 8th hardest hit ball of the season. With a torn UCL.
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) August 25, 2023
This video has gone viral, with Sho-time?s fans commenting both positively and negatively. While they have been calling their favorite player GOAt, some have criticized the Los Angeles Angels for using him with an injured arm for victory.?
?
? Dennis Stansfield (@DennisUltima) August 25, 2023
Fans mostly got furious at the team for making their star to play with his injury. They even mentioned, ?The Angels doesn?t deserve this man.?
Can?t believe the angels are forcing him to play. Phil nevin should be tried for attempted murder right Ben?
? Drunk Rally Monkey (@DrunkeyBusiness) August 26, 2023
Some of his fans commented though he can?t pitch, he can be an elite hitter.?
Still going to be an elite hitter but his days as a pitcher are done
? Triple Net Investor (@TripleNetInvest) August 26, 2023
Another group of fans compared Ohtani with Bryce Harper and said playing with an injury is not a big deal.
Not a big deal. Just like Harper last year. Obv hitting w that injury isn?t a hindrance
? SpeedDemon (@Redevolution06) August 26, 2023
Although whether Ohtani will require surgery to address the UCL tear is still pending, his impending Free Agency is now in significant doubt.
Will The UCL Injury Change Shohei Ohtani’s Fate?
The Japanese star is one of the MLB’s exceptional talents who is anticipated to get big offers from teams like the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, etc. But after he has met a brutal injury likely to affect his stats, the question arrives: will they be interested in investing in him when his career as a Pitcher is hanging by a thread??
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Buster Olney of ESPN highlighted that Ohtani’s injury has significantly altered the landscape surrounding the contract offers he’ll receiving. The uncertainty about his pitching performance adds a new dimension to the negotiations.
While Ohtani’s free agency was initially anticipated as the offseason’s most intriguing narrative, the recent injury has elevated its level of fascination. This development has introduced far-reaching implications in various aspects of the situation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you think this UCL injury will change his fate as a Two-way Phenom? Share your opinions in the comments.?
Watch the Story: Michael Jordan Joins Stephen A. Smith in Surprising Backing of Ohtnai’s “English” View.