Shohei Ohtani's Tommy John Surgeries Explained

Hey guys, let's dive into a topic that's been on a lot of baseball fans' minds: Shohei Ohtani and his Tommy John surgeries. It's a pretty wild story, and understanding it is key to appreciating just how incredible Ohtani's career has been. So, how many Tommy John surgeries has Shohei Ohtani had? The answer, in short, is two. But that's just the tip of the iceberg, and the journey behind those surgeries is what makes it truly remarkable.

The First Tommy John Surgery: A Setback and a Comeback

Ohtani's first Tommy John surgery happened back in 2018, shortly after he made his groundbreaking debut in Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Angels. For those of you who might not know, Tommy John surgery is a procedure to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow, a common injury for pitchers. It's a serious operation that requires a significant recovery period, typically 12-18 months, during which a pitcher cannot throw.

This first surgery was a massive blow, not just to Ohtani, but to the Angels organization and baseball fans worldwide who were captivated by his unique ability to both pitch at an elite level and hit with power. He had just finished a spectacular rookie season where he showcased his incredible two-way talent, winning Rookie of the Year. The injury meant he would miss the entire 2019 season as a pitcher, though he was able to continue as a designated hitter while rehabbing.

The decision to undergo surgery was undoubtedly tough. It meant putting a temporary pause on his pitching career, the very thing that made him a unicorn in the sport. However, Ohtani, with his incredible work ethic and determination, attacked his rehab with the same intensity he brought to the mound and the batter's box. He worked tirelessly to regain strength and flexibility in his pitching arm, and the baseball world watched eagerly for his return.

His comeback as a pitcher in 2020 was nothing short of inspiring. While he wasn't quite back to his pre-surgery velocity immediately, he showed flashes of his old self and proved that his arm could hold up. This first surgery, while a significant hurdle, ultimately paved the way for his continued success as a pitcher, albeit with careful management and monitoring.

The Second Tommy John Surgery: A Different Context

Fast forward to 2023, and Ohtani faced another elbow issue, leading to his second Tommy John surgery. This time, the circumstances felt a bit different. He was in the midst of arguably his best season ever, both as a pitcher and a hitter, putting up MVP-caliber numbers in both disciplines. He was hitting monstrous home runs and dominating on the mound, leading many to believe he was a shoo-in for another MVP award.

The announcement of his second UCL tear and subsequent surgery sent shockwaves through the league. Many wondered how this could happen again, especially after a successful recovery from the first surgery. It's important to note that UCL tears can be complex, and sometimes re-tearing or a different part of the ligament can be affected. The immense workload and high-stress demands of being a top-tier, two-way player undoubtedly put significant strain on his elbow over time.

This second surgery, performed in September 2023, meant he would once again miss extended time as a pitcher. However, the silver lining this time was that his hitting was largely unaffected, and he was able to continue his historic season at the plate. This further highlighted his incredible resilience and adaptability. The recovery from a second Tommy John surgery can often be even more challenging, both physically and mentally, but Ohtani's track record suggests he's up for the challenge.

Why Tommy John Matters for Pitchers (and Ohtani)

For pitchers, the UCL is absolutely crucial for generating velocity and maintaining arm health. When it tears, the elbow becomes unstable, and the ability to throw hard and accurately is severely compromised. Tommy John surgery, named after the first MLB pitcher to undergo the procedure in 1974, involves replacing the torn UCL with a tendon graft, usually taken from the patient's forearm or hamstring.

The recovery process is rigorous and demands immense dedication. Pitchers have to go through stages of physical therapy, gradually increasing the stress on their arm, starting with light tossing and progressing to throwing off the mound. It's a mental battle as much as a physical one, dealing with the fear of re-injury and the long layoff.

For Ohtani, being a two-way player adds another layer of complexity. His body is subjected to the stresses of pitching and hitting. While hitting is less stressful on the elbow than pitching, it still involves rotational forces and exertion. The Angels, and now the Dodgers, have had to carefully manage his workload, especially as he returns from these surgeries. The focus is on ensuring he can return to peak pitching performance without compromising his health long-term.

What's Next for Shohei Ohtani?

Following his second Tommy John surgery, Ohtani is expected to miss the entire 2024 season as a pitcher. However, in a testament to his incredible healing and determination, he has indicated that he aims to return to hitting sooner and is expected to be in the Dodgers' lineup as a hitter at some point during the 2024 season. This is fantastic news for baseball fans, as it means we won't have to wait too long to see him back on the field, even if it's just in a hitting capacity initially.

His future as a pitcher beyond 2024 is the big question mark. The hope is that with proper rest, rehab, and careful management, he can eventually return to the mound and recapture his elite pitching form. The Dodgers, having signed him to a historic contract, are clearly betting on his ability to do just that. They have the resources and expertise to support his recovery and integration back into a pitching role.

Ohtani's journey with Tommy John surgeries is a powerful narrative of resilience, talent, and the physical toll elite athletes endure. Despite these setbacks, his commitment to the game and his unparalleled skills continue to inspire. We'll be watching closely as he works his way back, hoping to see the magic of the two-way superstar on full display once again.

So, to recap for you guys: Shohei Ohtani has had two Tommy John surgeries. The first in 2018 and the second in 2023. It's a testament to his incredible talent and will that he continues to dominate and push the boundaries of what's possible in baseball, even with these significant injuries. Keep cheering him on!