Ohtani leaves game with injury concerns

Shohei Ohtani made an early exit during Wednesday's game due to pitching issues.

Shohei Ohtani Leaves Game After Pitching Struggles

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani left the mound after facing difficulties during the game against the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night. Ohtani, who is in the process of returning from his second Tommy John surgery, threw six consecutive balls, including two wild pitches. He left the game in the fourth inning while having a 2-0 count against hitter Spencer Steer. This marked Ohtani's seventh mound start since his surgery, after he missed the previous season's pitching due to recovery. Despite the pitching struggles, he continued to play as designated hitter and is leading the National League with 38 home runs this season.

Ohtani's exit raises concerns about his recovery and impact on the Dodgers. As a key player, his health is crucial not only for his performance but also for the team's prospects in the postseason. The insistence on managing him carefully, as seen in Wednesday’s game plan, reflects broader anxieties about how injuries can shape a player's career. Ohtani's experience may also serve as a cautionary tale for teams that rely on two-way players, making decisions that could affect their competitive edge down the line.

Highlights

Ohtani's situation will be closely monitored as the season progresses.