Angels say Ohtani, agent, initially refused MRI on elbow

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Angels say Shohei Ohtani, agent, initially refused MRI on injured elbow

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/26/23

Los Angeles Angels two-way phenom and 2023 MVP favorite Shohei Ohtani not only had his season come to a premature end earlier this week due to injury, but another wrinkle has emerged that is bound to raise eyebrows.

On Saturday, Angels general manager Perry Minasian revealed that the team offered to conduct an MRI on Ohtani's arm earlier this month when troubles first arrived, but he and his agent refused.

Minasian told Jeffrey Fletcher of the East Bay Times that Ohtani's camp didn't think a test was "necessary."

Perry Minasian just revealed that the Angels offered to do an MRI on Ohtani’s arm after his cramping episode earlier this month and Ohtani and his agent refused because they didn’t think it was necessary.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) August 26, 2023

Minasian comments are interesting because he made a point to mention earlier in the week that no imagining on Ohtani's arm occurred after the Angels skipped one of his starts due to arm fatigue.

Whether or not tests would've revealed any information that could've prevented Ohtani from being shut down is up for debate. However, the latest revelation is bound to keep chatter going about which side might be to blame.

While Minasian fanned the flames, directly or indirectly, Angels manager Phil Nevin tried to extinguish things a bit. He told Fletcher that it wasn't uncommon for players to reject an MRI, adding that he said no "many times" when asked during his playing days.

Regardless, it's a terrible situation for all involved. The Angels lose arguably the game's biggest star, possibly for good.

Meanwhile, Ohtani's career and personal wealth will likely take a hit. Not only will Ohtani probably have to walk away from the mound for at least a full season, but the ulnar collateral ligament tear in his right elbow will likely cost him roughly $100M on the open market.

Injuries are a part of sports, but for the Angels, the timing of Ohtani's might haunt them forever. Only time and the free agent market will tell the tale.

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