7 years agoLos Angeles Angels starting pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (elbow) could serve as a hitter for the Angels in all of 2019, even if he undergoes Tommy John surgery. The two-way Japanese star was told he would need elbow reconstruction on Wednesday but then went 4-for-4 with two home runs. Four doctors who repair ulnar collateral ligaments said that they think Ohtani could spend next season as a regular designated hitter provided his recovery doesn't have complications. Ohtani could be ready to return to hitting full time anywhere between four and a half to six months after his surgery. The silver lining is that when Ohtani undergoes Tommy John surgery, fantasy owners likely will still be able to use him as a hitter in 2019. The 24-year-old is hitting a solid .287/.367/.579 with 18 home runs, 47 RBI and seven stolen bases in 82 games this year, so he has plenty of value as a hitter, too.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBaller
Source: Yahoo Sports - Jeff Passan