Ohtani can't throw for 4-6 weeks due to forearm injury
Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani was diagnosed with a Grade 1-2 strain of the flexor pronator mass in his forearm, the team announced Monday.
Ohtani could start throwing again in about four-to-six weeks, the Angels added. He can still act as the team's designated hitter but won't be able to pitch while recovering from the injury.
There is a big difference between a Grade 1 and 2 strain. Strain = tear. Grade 1 is a slight tear with minimal issues. Grade 2 is much more significant -- the sort of thing that is concerning and problematic. Grade 3 is a complete tear of the muscle that always requires surgery.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 3, 2020
The 26-year-old owns a 37.80 ERA after recording only five outs over his first two appearances in 2020. Ohtani, who won 2018 AL Rookie of the Year, posted a 3.31 ERA in 10 starts that season before undergoing Tommy John surgery. He owns a career .873 OPS as a hitter.