The season is getting interesting as the teams are preparing for the playoffs. With almost a month of the league stage left, every matchup has become attractive. Because of it, the MLB world has all its eyes on it and the permutations and combinations of teams making it to the playoffs. And in the same line, the Los Angeles Angels are a share of attention. But not for their playoff qualification but for poor form and the absence of Shohei Ohtani from the team pictures. As the team is battling a slump, their two-way phenom’s absence raises many questions.

There are estimates that the 2021 AL MVP will get a $500 million deal at the end of the season. Because of this, the fans expect Ohtani to sign for some other team than the Angels. And because they need to catch up in the race of the playoffs, there are only a few games left for Ohtani, given his injury. But given his continuous absence even after indications of return, brings the question: Has Ohtani already played his last game for the Angels? 

Shohei Ohtani Remains Absent as Orioles Dismantle Angels

It has been a challenging period for the two-way phenom, contending with cramps and injuries. Though he continued to play at the cost of pitching, his oblique injury put him out of the lineup. Although the Angels have not placed him on the IL yet, his absence is visible.

Notably, Ohtani made his last appearance on Monday in a 10-6 loss against the Oakland Athletics. But they cautioned him after inflammation and expected him to return to the squad against the Baltimore Orioles. But it did not happen.

As a result, the prized player did not make it to the playing squad and missed the team’s picture. It hampered the Angels, who lost another by a big margin of seven runs, bringing them now 13 games behind the wildcard spot.

With such a gap, it will be difficult for them to qualify for the playoffs, leaving nothing much for Ohtani to play nonetheless. And with injuries already bothering him, Ohtani could be saying goodbye to his teammates.

Is Ohtani Leaving Sooner Than Expected?

Ohtani is a skillful player, and because of this, the demand is high in the market. Many teams have shared their openness to have his signatures. And there were chances of him moving when the trade window opened up. However, the move did not materialize as Ohtani was focused on finishing the season first. And things were looking good for him with success at the diamond.

But the situation has changed again. The Angels have lost their playoff spot and are losing games to move down further. Also, injuries have hampered Ohtani’s run, adding more to the misery. And now with less to achieve with the team, it seems the star player is not looking to risk it all. Moreover, people have suggested Ohtani to have surgery as soon as possible and return to playing next season.

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