Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching this season brought a mix of excitement and worry. On Wednesday, he made it through the fourth inning for the first time after his 2023 UCL surgery. However, he left the game after throwing six consecutive balls, which included two wild pitches against the Cincinnati Reds.
The Los Angeles Dodgers later confirmed that Ohtani exited due to cramps, not an injury. He seemed frustrated after walking a batter but did not show any signs of pain. His final stats were 3+ innings pitched, 5 hits allowed, 2 earned runs, 2 walks, 4 strikeouts, and 51 pitches thrown.
Despite this, Ohtani remained in the game to hit. He took his next at-bat in the sixth inning without any issues. Before that, he mentioned feeling cramps in his right hip starting in the first inning but attempted to continue pitching until it affected his performance.
Ohtani’s journey back to the mound has been a gradual one. After playing as a designated hitter in 2024, he returned as a pitcher in June. He has steadily increased his pitching time, marking progress in his comeback.
The Dodgers are being cautious with Ohtani. A small setback could significantly impact their star player. As they lead the NL West, they focus on two main goals: keeping Ohtani’s bat in the lineup and preparing him for a full start in the postseason.
In recent years, the trend of players pushing through injuries has raised concerns among experts. Dr. David K. Altchek, a leading orthopedic surgeon, notes that such situations highlight the importance of listening to one’s body. “It’s often better to take a step back than risk a more serious injury down the line,” he explains.
Statistics show that about 70% of athletes will experience some form of injury during their careers. This serves as a reminder of the physical demands faced by top players like Ohtani. The Dodgers’ careful management of Ohtani reflects a growing awareness of athlete health in professional sports.
With fans closely monitoring Ohtani’s progress, social media is buzzing with reactions. Many celebrate his determination but also express concern about his health. As the season continues, Ohtani’s journey back will be one to watch closely.
For more in-depth information on athletic injuries and recovery, check out resources from the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine.
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Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, start, Spencer Steer, Tyler Stephenson, Anthony Banda
