LA Angels mocked by fans after using a BODY DOUBLE instead of Shohei Ohtani for a photo day… after the superstar couldn’t attend in person
The Los Angeles Angels stole a move all too familiar in nearby Hollywood studios after the team used a body double for two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani on Tuesday.
Ohtani was unable to attend the team photo while being examined due to oblique pain that emerged on Monday.
Instead of omitting the team’s star player, the Angels put a body double in a number 17 jersey and lined him up in the outfield with the rest of the players.
After the photo was completed, the Ohtani imposter was led out by PR officials through the bullpen tunnel behind the left field wall – and it is clear that the real Ohtani will be photoshopped.
The Japanese star is already battling a torn UCL in his right elbow, ruling him out of pitching for the rest of the season, though he has remained in the batting line-up as the designated hitter.
The Los Angeles Angels used a body double for Shohei Ohtani during the team photo
Ohtani underwent an evaluation after dealing with a painful oblique strain that showed up Monday
His agent recently stated that it was “inevitable” that Ohtani would need surgery, but did not specify whether the surgery would be a second Tommy John procedure or a different operation.
During his pregame session with the media, Angels manager Phil Nevin was asked if the body double, with a strikingly similar frame to Ohtani, could possibly throw or hit.
“Shohei will be in the picture when you see it,” Nevin said with a smile, suggesting that someone’s Photoshop skills be put to use.
Unfortunately, it could be the only time Ohtani’s number 17 takes the field on Tuesday. He was out of the lineup against the Baltimore Orioles for the second straight day due to his latest injury, though Nevin would not confirm or deny whether his star hitter could possibly make a pinch hit in the late innings.
“Maybe,” Nevin said. “I can’t tell you all my secrets.”