Shohei Ohtani’s locker cleared, Angels will provide update on Saturday

Shohei Ohtani’s locker in the Angels’ clubhouse was cleared of most of his personal items and equipment following the Angels’ 11-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Friday night, but the team declined to provide any additional information on their injured star until Saturday. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

ANAHEIM – Shohei Ohtani’s locker in the Angels’ clubhouse was cleared of most of his personal items and equipment after the Angels’ 11-2 loss to the Detroit Tigers on Friday night, but the team declined to provide any additional information about him until Saturday.

Ohtani suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament late last month, and agent Nez Balelo said last week Ohtani will need a procedure at some point, but he declined to say what. the procedure or when it occurs.

Ohtani was in the clubhouse before Friday’s game, and he worked out in the cage to see if he could play. Ohtani has been out of the lineup since Sept. 4 due to oblique pain.

After the game, reporters noted that some of Ohtani’s belongings were packed in a 2023 All-Star Game bag, but many of the shoes, bats and other personal items filled his locker throughout the game. time lost.

Angels officials gathered for about 30 minutes while two dozen reporters waited for any news of what happened. Eventually, the Angels’ media relations staff said they spoke with management, including Angels general manager Perry Minasian, and determined that a further update would come Saturday.

The 29-year-old two-way star is heading into his final two weeks under contract with the Angels, capping off a season that will likely include his second American League MVP award in three years.

Ohtani hit .304 with 44 home runs and an OPS of 1.066. On the mound, he is 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA.

Ohtani is expected to sign a record-breaking free agent contract this winter, perhaps for $500 million.