Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani faced a troubling moment on Wednesday night during a game against the Cincinnati Reds, raising concerns about his health. Ohtani, regarded as one of baseball’s greatest two-way talents, appeared to struggle on the mound before walking off, prompting widespread worry among fans.
After returning to pitching in 2025 following two Tommy John surgeries—in 2018 and again in 2023—Ohtani’s status as both a pitcher and hitter has been closely followed. On this evening, however, his performance faltered as he threw six straight balls in the bottom of the fourth inning and visibly showed frustration before leaving the mound.
Details of Ohtani’s Troubling Performance Highlight Injury Fears
Throughout the fourth inning, Ohtani struggled with control, missing the strike zone repeatedly. His inability to throw strikes and the swift exit from the mound to the trainers raised alarms over a potential new injury. This has sparked renewed concern about his durability, given his history with serious arm surgeries.
Veteran MLB reporter Bob Nightengale captured the moment on social media, describing Ohtani’s frustrated walk-off alongside a Dodgers trainer following the sequence of wild pitches.
“Shohei Ohtani just walked off the mound with a Dodgers’ trainer after throwing six consecutive balls and looking quite frustrated,”
—Bob Nightengale, MLB Insider
Fans Rally with Prayers and Support Amid Uncertainty
The reaction from Dodgers fans was immediate and heartfelt as they shared their hopes for Ohtani’s recovery. Recognized as one of baseball’s most dynamic players, Ohtani’s presence in the game is deeply valued, both for his pitching and his exceptional hitting.
“I hate the Dodgers for the salary stuff, but I love Ohtani to death. Prayers up,”
—Anonymous Fan
Many echoed similar sentiments, expressing their concern simply and earnestly.
“At this point, we’re just praying,”
—Anonymous Fan
“Praying for Ohtani tonight man,”
—Anonymous Fan
The hope remains that Ohtani can avoid further setbacks and continue contributing as a two-way player, though some speculate this incident might force him to focus solely on hitting in the future.
The Impact of Ohtani’s Health on Baseball and Future Prospects
Shohei Ohtani’s health is crucial not only for the Los Angeles Dodgers but for Major League Baseball as a whole, as few players have matched his dual-threat ability. His potential injury could mark a significant turning point in his career and influence team strategies moving forward.
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will remain on Ohtani’s recovery and ability to return to the mound. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if he will regain full health or adjust his role in the sport in the months ahead.