https://twitter.com/zh_sho_o_sy0Z2z/...826032510?s=20
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth
He missed starts or exited early starting in early August, I think, so that's probably when he sustained the injury. I think it's pretty clearly affected his power but still perhaps a sample size thing.
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This article says he sustained the injury when pitching on August 23rd. I don't know if you can pitch with a torn UCL.
The article also says he may avoid Tommy John:
Balelo explained that when Ohtani sustained his UCL tear in 2018, the tear was at the top of his UCL. But this time, it’s at the base of his UCL and there’s no damage to the repaired UCL from the initial surgery. Balelo, though, wouldn’t get into specifics about the options for Ohtani surgery-wise. There is an operation with a shorter recovery time that involves using an internal elbow brace, but it’s unclear whether that’s on the table.
“Multiple doctors looked at this and said this is the best-case scenario for the situation we're in,” Balelo said. “The ligament itself and the graft that was put in with the ligament in 2018 is still intact, no problems. And that’s a real positive to take away from this.”
Balelo added that Ohtani will be ready to serve as DH to start the 2024 season, even if he gets an operation on the elbow. Ohtani had surgery on Oct. 1, 2018, and didn’t make his season debut in ‘19 until May 7, but Balelo said this time is different because of where the tear is in his elbow. But there is a chance Ohtani has the surgery before the end of the season to make sure he’s ready for the start of next season as a hitter.
Also,
this video seems to show he might be in pain just from swinging a bat (or he slipped?)