The news we've feared since Shohei Ohtani landed on the disabled list in early June has arrived. The Los Angeles Angels are telling the two-way rookie star he needs Tommy John surgery:
Shohei Ohtani underwent an MRI on his right elbow earlier today. The imaging revealed new damage to his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). Based on these findings, UCL reconstruction surgery is the recommended plan of care. Additional information will be provided when appropriate.
The decision is now in Ohtani's hands. For now, he'll continue to hit. He was in the lineup Wednesday in Texas as the DH, batting third, continuing his pursuit for Rookie of the Year honors, and all he did -- talk about a flair for the dramatic -- was go 4-for-4 with a walk, a stolen base and his 17th and 18th home runs, raising his season line to .