Ohtani won’t pitch for rest of season
Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani won’t pitch for the rest of the season because of a torn ligament in his right elbow. He is expected to be with the team for the start of its upcoming road trip and plans to continue to hit.
The Angels don’t yet know whether the major-league homerun leader and 10-game winner will need surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament for the second time. Ohtani had his first Tommy John surgery in late 2018, after his AL Rookie of the Year season.
Ohtani left the mound abruptly Wednesday in the second inning of his start against the Reds after throwing 26 pitches in the opener of a doubleheader. He insisted on playing in the nightcap even after the tear was discovered while running tests between games.
♦ Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg reportedly has decided to retire, ending a career that began as a No. 1 draft pick, included 2019 World Series MVP honors and was derailed by injuries. Strasburg, 35, has not pitched since June 9, 2022 — his only start that season. It lasted 4⅔ innings before he went back on the injured list.
♦ The Athletics moved one step closer to a future in Las Vegas after submitting their application to MLB, owner John Fisher told ESPN. The fate of the team now resides in the hands of the league’s owners.
NFL
Jeudy hurt as Broncos’ WR injury woes continue
Broncos top wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was carted off the field with a hamstring injury and will reportedly miss at least several weeks. He is the fifth Broncos receiver since the start of training camp who might be forced out of the lineup for an extended period.
† The Browns shook up their quarterback room, trading backup Joshua Dobbs to the Cardinals for two draft picks in 2024.
NBA
Giannis to hold off on signing extension
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo said he does not plan to sign a contract extension when he becomes eligible next month until he’s comfortable knowing the organization will continue to compete for an NBA championship.
♦ The Lakers will unveil a statue of Kobe Bryant outside their downtown arena on Feb. 8.
GOLF
Morikawa catches fire, tied for Tour lead
Collin Morikawa shot a 9-under 61 to grab a share of the lead with Keegan Bradley (63) and BMW Championship winner Viktor Hovland (68) after the first round of the Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta.