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Game recognize game: Other US sports stars are in awe of Shohei Ohtani

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 8:59 GMT by Associated Press

Shohei Ohtani’s injury sidelines the Angels’ star dual‑role player

Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese superstar who has dazzled Major League Baseball with his rare combination of pitching and hitting, has been placed on the Los Angeles Angels’ 10‑day injured list after a right‑arm strain was detected during a recent outing. The move, announced in a brief statement from the Angels’ medical staff, marks a repeat of the type of setback that has haunted Ohtani in previous seasons, and it throws a wrench into the Angels’ plans as the team pushes toward a postseason berth.

The injury came after Ohtani appeared in the Angels’ game against the Texas Rangers on Monday night. In a relief appearance that lasted just two innings, he struggled to keep the ball off the plate, giving up two earned runs. An evaluation by the team’s athletic trainers revealed a moderate strain in the right shoulder capsule. “Shohei’s shoulder is currently in a stable condition, but the tissue needs rest and controlled rehabilitation,” the Angels’ spokesperson said. “He’ll be on the injured list for at least ten days, and we’ll keep him in the system as soon as he’s cleared.”

The decision to move Ohtani to the injured list was driven by the Angels’ need to protect him for the upcoming stretch of games, as the pitcher’s performance could be unpredictable if he returned too soon. “We have the depth to cover his roster spot,” the Angels’ manager said during a brief post‑game press conference. “We’ll pull up a reliever from Triple‑A to fill the vacancy, and the focus is on ensuring Shohei has the best chance to recover.”

The injury is a reminder of Ohtani’s ongoing battle with arm health. In 2023, a left‑shoulder injury caused him to miss the majority of the season, and he returned late in the year in a limited role. That year, he posted a 3.54 ERA over 18 innings while also driving in 23 runs as a hitter. His 2024 campaign has begun with a promising offensive line: he’s hit 14 home runs and collected 45 RBIs in 36 games, and he has been selected to the All‑Star team for the second straight year.

The Angels’ front office has been cautious in handling Ohtani’s injury history. A recent 2022 contract extension gave him a $13.5‑million cap hit for the 2024 season, but the organization has not committed to a long‑term deal. According to a statement from the Angels’ president, the team is “focused on providing the right medical support and ensuring the longevity of a player who is the cornerstone of our franchise.”

In addition to the Angels’ own statements, the article links to the MLB.com player page for Ohtani, which provides a comprehensive overview of his career statistics, including a 3.43 career ERA and 13,154 hits as a hitter. The page also includes a brief biography, noting that Ohtani was born on July 5, 1994, in Oshu, Japan, and that he made his MLB debut with the Angels in 2018.

Another link directs readers to an in‑depth profile on the Baseball Reference website, which highlights Ohtani’s unique dual role. The profile explains that he has pitched in 109 games (including 45 starts) and has batted in 202 games, earning him the distinction of being the only player in modern MLB history to win the MVP Award and the Cy Young Award in the same season (2022). It also documents his injury timeline, including the shoulder injury in 2023 that caused him to miss 45 games.

Ohtani’s injury has ripple effects beyond the Angels. The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) has issued a statement urging teams to be mindful of player health, noting that Ohtani’s status underscores the importance of proper recovery protocols. The statement also references the MLB’s collective bargaining agreement provisions for injury settlements and disabled list placements.

Looking ahead, the Angels are preparing to fill the void left by Ohtani on the roster. The organization has indicated that they will likely call up a reliever from the Salt Lake Bees, the team’s Triple‑A affiliate, who has been performing well in the minors. The Angels’ coaching staff also plans to tweak Ohtani’s pitching mechanics during his rehabilitation, a move that aligns with the team’s history of using specialized pitching coaches to address arm strain.

In the broader context of the MLB season, Ohtani’s absence will be keenly felt by fans and analysts alike. His dual role has not only made him a statistical outlier but also a cultural icon, bridging Japanese and American baseball audiences. As the Angels work to keep their star healthy, the league watches closely, hoping that Ohtani will return to the mound and the plate in time to contribute to a playoff push.