Star Japanese baseball player, Shohei Ohtani, has publicly declared he won't be returning to the pitcher's mound this season. The unexpected announcement was made in a press conference following one of his recent games. Ohtani is a rare gem in baseball, highly revered for his dual roles as both a pitcher and hitter, so this decision will undoubtedly affect his team, the Los Angeles Angels, and their performance in the rest of the season.

Shohei Ohtani's career has been closely followed by sports fans in Japan since his dual role as a pitcher and hitter is a rarity even in international baseball. His decision to sit out the remaining season as a pitcher is major news, as it brings into focus the issue of athlete’s health and the immense pressure to perform despite injuries.

Just like in Japan, athlete health is a major concern in the United States and European Union. In situations like this, where an athlete steps down due to health concerns, the public sentiment is generally supportive and there are mechanisms in place to ensure that the player gets the necessary rest and rehabilitation.