MINNEAPOLIS _ It appears the Los Angeles Angels weren't the only ones who lost Shohei Ohtani to injury Friday.
The sport's first regular two-way standout since Babe Ruth was expected to be a shoo-in for the American League squad in the All-Star game, which will be held July 17 in Washington D.C.
Now it seems unlikely that he will be able to play.
Ohtani, who suffered a grade 2 sprain of his right ulnar collateral ligament, was placed on the 10-day disabled list after receiving a platelet-rich plasma and stem cell injection.
He will avoid throwing until he is re-evaluated in three weeks, the team hoping he heals enough to avoid ligament replacement surgery.
Mike Trout, who didn't play in last year's All-Star game because of a thumb injury, said he thinks Ohtani should attend the festivities even if he can't take the field.
"One-hundred percent," Trout said when asked if he'd advise Ohtani to go. "The experience is unbelievable. From the (home run) derby to the game, the atmosphere, the fans. It's just a great experience."
Having perhaps his finest season, Trout is expected to make the American League team and, with Ohtani hurt, may be the Angels' lone participant.
Ohtani's injury was diagnosed after his start Wednesday, when he noticeably struggled with his command. The problem was initially thought to be a blister that affected Ohtani in April. Watching from his position in center field, however, Trout said he suspected something worse.
"I just had a weird feeling that something wasn't right," Trout said Saturday. "He said he was fine, still throwing 94, 95 (mph). But he didn't know where it was going."
Trout said he hasn't spoken to the rookie _ who didn't travel with the team _ since his diagnosis but plans to do so when the Angels return home June 17.
"Just to bring him up a little bit," Trout said. "I'm sure he's pretty down. He was having a great season so far. You just gotta stay positive, tell yourself it's a little setback. ... You can't do anything about it now. You just gotta get it better."
