Report: Ohtani's UCL issue unrelated to previous elbow tear

Shohei Ohtani's Grade 2 tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow is unrelated to a previous Grade 1 tear, according to a report from Jon Heyman of FRS Network, citing sources.

The first-degree sprain was reportedly cited in a physical sent to every team attempting to recruit Ohtani before the Los Angeles Angels signed the two-way phenom. The physical, which leaked in December, also revealed that Ohtani received platelet-rich plasma injections in October to promote healing in the elbow.

While the report uncovered that the tear is new, it does not indicate whether this is a positive or negative development in the right-hander's diagnosis. It's also unclear whether the location of the tear is what makes the injury different.

Ohtani received another round of platelet-rich plasma along with stem cell injections on Thursday and will be re-evaluated by team doctors in two weeks. While UCL tears frequently lead to Tommy John surgery for pitchers, Angels general manager Billy Eppler is hopeful the two-way star can avoid that measure.

Over nine starts with the Angels, the 23-year-old Ohtani posted a 3.10 ERA prior to being placed on the disabled list. Meanwhile, as a designated hitter, Ohtani owns a .907 OPS over 43 games.