Did the Los Angeles Angeles use a body double for Shohei Ohtani and if so, why?
Facing the certainty of elbow surgery, the Japanese star has also struggled with an oblique issue and it’s for that reason that he was a no-show.
Will the real Shohei Ohtani please stand up? There’s a story curious report coming out of Los Angeles and it’s the kind of thing you’d normally associate with either movie stars or problematic politicians. Yet, in this case, it was neither of the two involved but rather the Angels’ two-way sensation.
Los Angeles Angels use body double for Shohei Ohtani
Sounds strange but it’s true. According to reports on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Angels took their team photo, however, the team’s biggest star, Shohei Ohtani was not present. To be clear, Ohtani has reportedly been dealing with oblique soreness and for that reason, he was not present for the photoshoot. On the other hand, it is understood that the Angels used a body double to stand in for the starting pitcher/designated hitter, a decision that has understandably raised a few eyebrows.
It is understood that the franchise used someone who was “very tall in the front office, name not to be discussed.” Of course, that didn’t stop Angels reporter Sarah Valenzuela from sharing photos of the body double on social while explaining that the man seen was charged with the task of occupying Ohtani’s spot for the photo. As per reports, the team intends to add Ohtani to the photo via the use of Photoshop prior to its official release, something that Angels manager Phil Nevin explained when asked about his star’s absence. “Shohei will be in the photo when you see it,” Nevin said.
What’s going on with Shohei Ohtani?
Quite a bit to be honest. If you saw our previous report, then you will know that aside from the problem with his obliques, Ohtani is now facing the reality that he will require elbow surgery in the near future due to a UCL tear, as confirmed earlier this week by his agent. Where his future is concerned, Ohtani has made it clear that he wants to sign with a contender this offseason. Respectfully, that rules out the Angles. Regarding pertinent details, the 29-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent when this present season concludes, which is to say expect to see him playing elsewhere next year. Where that is remains anyone’s guess, but rest assured his services won’t come cheap.
To date, he recorded a 3.14 ERA and 167 strikeouts in 132 innings as a pitcher before being shut down on the mound due to the aforementioned elbow problem, while at bat he’s registered 9 for 30 (.300) in nine games as a hitter since halting his role as a pitcher. Overall he has hit .304/.412/.654 with an American League-leading 44 home runs this season. As for the Angels, they currently sit on a 64-74 record and are 12 games outside of a postseason spot.