Will Ozuna Play Baseball Again?
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Will Ozuna play baseball again? That’s the question on everyone’s mind after the superstar outfielder was hit by a pitch and suffered a season-ending injury.
Who is Ozuna?
Ozuna is a professional baseball player who last played for the St. Louis Cardinals. He is currently a free agent. Ozuna was suspended for the entire 2020 season due to a positive drug test for the performance-enhancing substance boldenone.
Career Highlights
Ozuna is a young player who had a breakout season in 2017, when he hit .312/.376/.548 with 37 home runs and 124 RBI. He followed that up with an even better 2018 campaign, batting .280/.325/.433 with 29 homers and 92 RBI. Ozuna was an All-Star in both years, and he won a Silver Slugger Award in 2018. He was one of the game’s best outfielders in those two seasons, providing strong defense in left field while also hitting for power and average at the plate.
The Injury
Ozuna’s career was abruptly put on hold last season when he fouled a ball off his knee, resulting in a fracture. The injury was a devastating blow to the Cardinals, who had to watch from the sidelines as their star player underwent surgery and began the long road to recovery.
Timeline of events
Ozuna was signed by the Cardinals in 2017 and played LF for them. On May 9, 2019, he suffered a dislocated finger when he jammed his hand into first base while attempting to field a pick-off attempt. He was placed on the injured list the next day.
Ozuna underwent surgery on May 12 to repair the ligaments in his finger. Cardinals president of baseball operations John Mozeliak said at the time that it was unclear how long Ozuna would be sidelined, but that he could miss 4-8 weeks.
Ozuna appeared to be progressing well in his recovery, as he took live batting practice on June 3 and began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on June 13. However, he suffered a setback on June 16 when he re-aggravated his finger injury while attempting to make a diving catch in left field.
The Recovery
Ozuna has been out of baseball for a while now, but there is new hope that he will play again. Recently, he has been seen working out and hitting everyday. His return would be a boost to any team, as he is one of the best hitters in baseball.
Treatment and timeline
After an Achilles tear, the first thing that needs to happen is immobilization and elevation of the leg to reduce swelling. Surgery is usually needed to repair the torn tendon, and this can be done either by stitching the tendon back together or by using a graft to replace the damaged section. Once the surgery is complete, you will need to wear a cast or splint for six to eight weeks.
After that, you will begin a course of physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in your ankle and leg. This will usually last for several months. You will likely need to use crutches during this time. Your doctor or physical therapist will give you specific exercises to do at home as well as guidance on when you can return to activities such as running, sports, and other strenuous exercise.
It usually takes at least six months to make a full recovery from an Achilles tendon tear, but it can take up to a year for some people.ozuna
The Return
Ozuna has not played a game of baseball since October 28th, 2019. Since then, there has been much speculation as to whether or not he will play again. Ozuna is a key player on the Cardinals, and his return would be a welcomed one.
Probable date and outcome
Will Ozuna play baseball again? This is a question on many minds as the former Cardinals outfielder remains a free agent. The 30-year-old has not played since 2019 due to injuries, but he is reportedly healthy and looking to make a comeback.
According to Ozuna’s agent, the outfielder is aiming to return to the field in May or June. It is unclear what teams are interested in signing Ozuna, but it is rumored that the Cardinals are one of the teams considering him.
Ozuna hit .241/.330/.475 with 29 home runs and 89 RBI in 2019. He was an All-Star in 2017 and 2018.
