Shohei Ohtani's locker was cleared out due to a UCL injury, and the Angels will provide an update.

 The Los Angeles Angels Friday night failed to provide an explanation for why Shohei Ohtani's locker at Angel Stadium has been largely emptied.

The two-way superstar missed Friday's game against the Detroit Tigers, which the Angels defeated 11-2, for the 11th time in a row due to a strained oblique muscle. Although Ohtani attended the game before it began, his locker was largely vacant when it was over.

Nearly all of his belongings had been taken from his locker and the vacant spot next to it. A fully loaded bag with the 2023 All-Star Game emblem was set in front of his cubicle in place of his sneakers. Only a few workout clothing were strung on the rack.

An Angels spokeswoman stated the team will provide further information on the situation on Saturday, over a half-hour after reporters were let into the locker room and noted the absence of Ohtani's belongings.

when six seasons with the Angels, Ohtani will become a free agent this winter. His future has been the subject of frequent conjecture, which grew more intense when Los Angeles was eliminated from the playoff race in August. Since Ohtani has kept quiet about his future, the conversation regarding his long-term goals has also changed as a result of his most recent injuries.

The Angels had held out hope that he could return as a hitter after straining his oblique in hitting practice last week, but he has already been sidelined as a pitcher this year as a result of a ruptured right elbow ligament.

At some point in 2024, Ohtani most likely will be able to perform the duties of a designated hitter.

It's unclear where he will play and how much he will be paid given that he was once projected to earn $500 million, becoming the first player in baseball. Before suffering the injuries, he was 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA and 1.06 WHIP while hitting.304/.412/.654 with 44 home runs and 91 runs batted in.

In terms of impact, Ohtani is the only player in baseball. However, he might need a second Tommy John procedure, which would leave his future as a pitcher highly uncertain.