Angels dispute report that Ohtani has elbow issues
After a report that the Los Angeles Angels’ prized new two-way star Shohei Ohtani has a damaged ulnar collateral ligament and is susceptible to future Tommy John surgery, the team reaffirmed confidence in his health.
“Shohei underwent a thorough physical with MRI scans to both his elbow and his shoulder,” general manager Billy Eppler said in a statement after the story broke on Tuesday night. “Those are scans we conduct whenever we sign a pitcher. Based on the readings of those MRIs, there are not signs of acute trauma in the elbow. It looks consistent with players his age. We are pleased with the results of the physical and we are very happy to have the player.”
Eppler was responding to a Yahoo sports report that Ohtani, 23, had undergone a platelet-rich plasma injection in October to help repair a first-degree sprain of the UCL, and also that he had “a small body” floating in his elbow.
The story was based on a medical report distributed to all clubs prior to the courting process in which Ohtani chose the Angels from 27 teams vying for his services.
Before the report of the damage on Tuesday night, Eppler had acknowledged the PRP injection, but he said it was strictly precautionary. The damage was reportedly discovered in a report dated Nov. 28, from a physical in Japan. Ohtani was posted on Dec. 1.
Eppler said Ohtani underwent another physical at the Kerlan-Jobe clinic in Los Angeles on Dec. 7, the day before he agreed to sign with the Angels.
Earlier Tuesday, Eppler expressed no concern that it would hinder Ohtani’s ability
to pitch in 2018. The report indicated that Ohtani “is able to continue full baseball participation with sufficient elbow care program.” YANKEES DEAL HEADLEY TO PADRES >> The New York Yankees made a rare payroll dump, creating flexibility to add starting pitching.
Third baseman Chase
Headley and pitcher Bryan Mitchell were dealt to San Diego for 28-year-old outfielder Jabari Blash, who made his big league debut in 2016 and has played in 99 games in the majors over two seasons.
Headley’s $13 million salary was assumed by the Padres, and the Yankees agreed to give San Diego $500,000 on Jan. 10 to defray part of Headley’s $1 million assignment bonus.
“The biggest motivation from our end is it creates a lot more financial flexibility as we are going to reset that tax clock,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said.
CUBS, MORROW AGREE ON DEAL >> The Chicago Cubs agreed to a two-year contract with former Cal pitcher Brandon Morrow after the reliever played a key role in their loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series.
The 33-year-old Morrow went 6-0 with a 2.06 ERA and two saves in 45 appearances for Los Angeles last season.
ORIOLES’ MACHADO COULD BE ON MOVE >> Baltimore Orioles star Manny Machado could be on the move. To a new position or a new team.
Big names emerged in trade talk, with Machado, New York Mets pitcher Matt Harvey and Fulmer heating up the winter meetings in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
An intriguing possibility, for any club, is Machado.
At 25, he’s already a threetime All-Star and two-time Gold Glover at third base. Plus, he’s a power bat, hitting 33 home runs with 95 RBIs last season.
Machado had an $11.5 million salary last season, is eligible for arbitration and can become a free agent after next year’s World Series. That’s prompted questions about whether the last-place Orioles can afford him, or if he’d even want to stick around Camden Yards.
Or if they’d be better off trading him to guarantee something in return.
In the meantime, Machado is indicating he’d like to shift over to shortstop. The spot is open, now that J.J. Hardy has become a free agent.