Most of Shohei Ohtani’s belongings have been removed from his locker at Angel Stadium, and the Los Angeles Angels declined to provide an explanation on Friday night.
The versatile star, who has been sidelined for 11 consecutive games due to an oblique muscle injury, was absent when the Angels lost 11-2 to Detroit. While Ohtani was present at the stadium before the game, his locker, which belonged to the soon-to-be free agent, was conspicuously empty afterward.
The majority of his personal items had been taken away from both his locker and the adjacent vacant stall. A bag, fully packed with a logo from the 2023 All-Star Game, occupied the space where his shoes would typically be found, with only a few workout shirts remaining on the rack.
Almost thirty minutes after reporters were granted access to the locker room and noticed the absence of Ohtani’s belongings, an Angels spokesperson stated that the team would provide further details about the situation on Saturday.
Ohtani, who will become a free agent this winter after spending six seasons with the Angels, has been the subject of constant speculation throughout this season, especially after the Angels fell out of playoff contention in August. Ohtani has remained silent about his future, and recent injuries have added more uncertainty to discussions about his long-term plans.
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This season, he has already been sidelined as a pitcher due to a torn right elbow ligament. However, the Angels had hoped he might return as a hitter this month following an oblique strain sustained during batting practice last week.
Despite the setbacks, Ohtani remains a top contender for his second AL MVP award in three years, although Texas’ Corey Seager may be gaining ground in the minds of voters. Ohtani, who posted a 10-5 record with a 3.14 ERA this season, leads the American League with 44 home runs, and his 1.066 OPS ranks second in the majors, now trailing Seager.
