Shohei Ohtani, pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was forced to leave his start early during Wednesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds due to cramping in his right hip. This incident, combined with the hot weather conditions, has sparked concerns about Ohtani pitching injury and his current form as he works his way back from surgery.

Details of Ohtani’s Early Departure and On-Field Performance

Ohtani was initially expected to pitch at least four innings, which would have marked the first time this season he lasted into the fourth inning. However, he exited midway through the fourth after delivering 51 pitches, giving up two runs on five hits, striking out four batters, and allowing two walks before Dodgers’ medical staff guided him off the mound.

Despite feeling discomfort from the first inning and attempting to push through the pain, Ohtani’s condition worsened, leading to his premature exit. The pitcher himself noted,

“it didn’t quite work out in the fourth”

—Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher. Both Ohtani and manager Dave Roberts cited the oppressive heat—with temperatures near 90°F and a heat index close to 100—as a significant factor contributing to the cramping.

Offensive Struggles Continue While Remaining in the Game as Designated Hitter

After being removed as pitcher, Ohtani stayed in the lineup as the designated hitter but was unable to find success at the plate. He went 0-for-5 in five at-bats, extending a difficult offensive stretch that included a four-strikeout performance the night before. Reflecting on his role, Ohtani explained,

“I don’t play defense. That helped, but at the same time, we were playing a close game and I wanted to help the team win,”

—Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter.

Context of Ohtani’s Recovery and Manager’s Observations

This game was Ohtani’s seventh pitching start since returning from Tommy John surgery, and notably, it was his longest outing this season, as previous appearances had only lasted one to three innings while gradually rebuilding his arm strength. Manager Dave Roberts decided to pull Ohtani after noticing flaws in his pitching mechanics during the game. Roberts commented,

“I just saw a funky throw. The follow-through just didn’t look right,”

—Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers manager.

When asked about his condition, Ohtani attributed the difficulty to his hip and the extreme humidity. Roberts added,

“He said it was his hip. I talked to him and he said it was the humidity. So I feel better knowing that,”

—Dave Roberts, Los Angeles Dodgers manager.

Despite the mid-inning exit, Roberts expressed confidence that Ohtani would be ready for his next start scheduled for August 6 at Dodger Stadium against the St. Louis Cardinals. Roberts suggested that returning from the road and pitching in cooler conditions should aid Ohtani’s recovery.

Game Outcome and Immediate Implications

The Dodgers suffered a tight 5-2 defeat against Cincinnati, with Ohtani’s exit marking a pivotal moment in the game. The Reds secured their win by rallying late, breaking a 2-2 tie through a two-run triple by Spencer Steer in the eighth inning, followed by an RBI single from Will Benson. On the Dodgers’ side, Freddie Freeman delivered their only offensive highlight with a two-run homer in the fourth inning.

This sequence underscores the immediate challenge the Dodgers face without their star pitcher performing at full capacity, as Ohtani pitching injury concerns continue to linger amid his ongoing return from surgery and recent struggles on offense. The outcome of his next start will likely influence both his workload and the Dodgers’ plans moving forward in the season.