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Report: Angels cautiously optimistic Ohtani will play again this season

Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Los Angeles Angels are cautiously optimistic Shohei Ohtani will return this season after suffering a Grade 2 UCL sprain in his right elbow, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Angels general manager Billy Eppler shot down a report earlier Monday that indicated Ohtani would likely need to undergo Tommy John surgery, and said the club has not made any decisions regarding any surgeries.

"There have been no changes in Ohtani's diagnosis and neither our physicians nor medical staff have recommended (Tommy John surgery) or said it's likely," Eppler said.

Ohtani was placed on the disabled list Friday after receiving a platelet-rich plasma and stem cell injection and will be evaluated in three weeks.

While pitching might not be an option for Ohtani due to his injury, it's possible he could return as a hitter. In 34 games this season, Ohtani is hitting .289/.372/.535 with six home runs and eight doubles, while ranking fourth among position players with 0.9 WAR.

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