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Ohtani received PRP injection in pitching elbow in October

Josh Lefkowitz / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Los Angeles Angels' new two-way star Shohei Ohtani received a platelet-rich plasma injection in his elbow in October, multiple team sources confirmed to Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated.

The procedure - a common, non-surgical treatment used to combat inflammation, among other concerns - was confirmed by Ohtani's agent Nez Balelo, who provided the 23-year-old's medical history to interested teams. Balelo said the injection was done strictly as "a preventative measure" and, in an effort to convince teams Ohtani was healthy, made him undergo a physical in California after choosing his seven finalists.

Several pitchers and players opt for PRP injections in an attempt to speed up the recovery process and, in most cases, it is precautionary. Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman managed to avoid surgery on his right wrist in 2015 after being treated with PRP. New York Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka had an injection in 2014 after an MRI revealed a small UCL tear in his pitching elbow, and has managed to pitch through the ailment.

Others weren't so lucky, though. St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Alex Reyes and current free-agent starter Drew Smyly opted for treatment, but eventually underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the entire 2017 season as result.

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