Shohei Ohtani took a big step forward in his return to pitching, but it wasn’t without concern. In his latest start for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he made it to the fourth inning—his longest outing this season post-surgery. However, he exited the game abruptly after struggling with cramps, which raised eyebrows among fans and team officials alike.
During a challenging plate appearance against the Cincinnati Reds, Ohtani threw six consecutive balls, including two wild pitches. Although he didn’t appear to be in pain, his frustration was evident after walking a batter and falling behind in the count. The backdrop of Daniel Powter’s “Bad Day” playing in the stadium certainly didn’t help his morale.
The Dodgers later informed fans that Ohtani left the mound due to cramps but opted to stay in the game as a hitter. His performance on the mound showed promise, with stats including 3+ innings pitched, 5 hits, 2 earned runs, 2 walks, and a season-high of 51 pitches.
Ohtani revealed that he had been feeling cramps in his hip since the first inning but tried to pitch through it until it started affecting his delivery. This cautious approach aligns with the Dodgers’ strategy to protect their star player, especially as the team aims for a strong postseason.
After spending all of 2024 as a designated hitter while recovering from UCL surgery, Ohtani has gradually built up his pitching stamina. This was his sixth start, and it marks a significant improvement in his ability to eat innings.
The Dodgers are aware of the risks of pushing Ohtani too hard. Given their lead in the NL West, they have two main goals: keep Ohtani’s bat in the lineup and ensure he’s ready for a full start in the postseason.
In recent baseball statistics, it was noted that teams with stars like Ohtani consistently draw crowds and increase revenue. A 2023 study showed that players with dual-threat capabilities, such as Ohtani, can bolster attendance by as much as 20%. Fans are clearly invested in his journey, and social media reactions have been overwhelmingly supportive, with many expressing hope for his continued health.
As Ohtani continues to find balance between pitching and hitting, all eyes will be on him as the Dodgers navigate the remainder of the season. For an in-depth look at the financial impacts of star players on their teams, check out this BBC report.
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Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, start, Spencer Steer, Tyler Stephenson, Anthony Banda
