Shohei Ohtani Exits Game Against Reds Due to Cramping but Remains Optimistic for Next Start

CINCINNATI (AP) — Los Angeles Dodgers’ star Shohei Ohtani is optimistic about his next pitching start after his outing on Wednesday night was cut short due to cramping in his hip.

Ohtani was meant to pitch four innings against the Cincinnati Reds on a hot, humid evening but left the game without finishing the fourth after struggling to find his rhythm. He threw six straight balls, including two wild pitches, before the trainer came to check on him.

The reigning NL MVP mentioned that the cramping began in the first inning. “I tried to push through it, but it got the better of me,” he said through an interpreter after the Dodgers lost 5-2. The temperature hovered around 90°F (32°C), with a heat index close to 100°F, which both Ohtani and manager Dave Roberts attributed to his discomfort.

After a shaky throw, Roberts noticed Ohtani wasn’t himself. He described the moment of concern, saying, “He just didn’t look right.” Thankfully, Ohtani was still able to participate as the designated hitter but struggled at the plate, going 0 for 5.

This marked Ohtani’s seventh start as he makes his way back from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Last season, he didn’t pitch at all but had a stellar year as a designated hitter, notching 54 home runs and earning his third MVP award.

Despite the early exit, this outing was still his longest since returning. He threw 51 pitches, 32 of them for strikes, allowing two runs on five hits with four strikeouts. “I was happy with my pitch count,” Ohtani said, noting he has a 2.40 ERA over 15 innings. Overall, he has faced 63 batters, striking out 17.

His pitch strategy has evolved through the season. Though he primarily relied on his fastball in previous games, he shifted focus to his sweeper against the Reds, throwing 29 of them.

As for what’s next, Ohtani is set to start again on August 6 against St. Louis at Dodger Stadium, where the weather should be more manageable.

Interestingly, Ohtani’s history with the Reds is notable. His previous outing against them on August 23, 2023, ended prematurely due to a severe elbow injury that led to his second Tommy John surgery. This adds a layer of pressure and motivation as he prepares for his next start.

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