Report: Fernando Valenzuela dealing with health issues

Aug 11, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela (34) speaks during a news conference prior to his jersey retirement ceremony at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela is reportedly dealing with some health issues.

Valenzuela is in his 21st season calling games for the Dodgers’ Spanish-language broadcast alongside Pepe Yñiguez and Jose Mota. The team announced last week that Valenzuela was stepping away from his broadcast duties indefinitely. No reason was given, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.

Then on Monday, David Faitelson of Spanish-language network TUDN reported that Valenzuela has been admitted to the hospital with health issues.

Terrible news being reported by David Faitelson of TUDN (TelevisaUnivision) that Fernando Valenzuela is in the hospital with health problems after stepping away from his duties with the Dodgers last week.@DavidFaitelson_

Wishing for the best for El Toro pic.twitter.com/miBkMq5eIK

— L.A. in a Minute (@LaInaMinute) October 1, 2024

The belief is that Valenzuela will not return for the postseason.

Valenzuela pitched for the Dodgers for 11 seasons from 1980-1990. The left-hander made six All-Star appearances during that time. He was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1981 and won the Cy Young Award that season while leading the Dodgers to a World Series title.

The 63-year-old Valenzuela was the 14th person inducted into the Dodgers Ring of Honor last year. His No. 34 jersey was also retired by the team.