During a game on Wednesday night against the Colorado Rockies, Shohei Ohtani was struck by a line drive off his right leg, creating concern for the Los Angeles Dodgers amid their playoff push. Despite the 8-3 loss, the team quickly confirmed the injury was not as severe as initially feared, with Ohtani avoiding a worse outcome after the ball hit his thigh rather than his knee.
Ohtani addressed reporters through an interpreter, expressing relief that the injury was not more serious and emphasizing his focus on treatment moving forward.
“I’m glad it didn’t hit the knee,”
Ohtani explained.
“I think we avoided the worst-case scenario. So, I’m going to focus on the treatment.”
Manager Comments and Game Developments
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also expressed relief about the nature of the hit, noting the impact to the thigh was less troubling than if it had struck Ohtani’s knee. Observing Ohtani continue pitching to finish the fourth inning before being replaced in the fifth by Edgardo Henriquez indicated the injury was manageable enough not to require an immediate removal.
However, Ohtani’s recent performance on the mound raises questions beyond this incident. He has allowed nine earned runs on 14 hits over his last two starts, covering just 8.1 innings, which has led to an inflated season ERA of 4.61. This marks a challenging stretch as he progresses through rehabilitation after missing 22 months due to elbow surgery in September 2023.
Pitching Challenges and Playoff Considerations
Wednesday’s game was played in Colorado, a location known for conditions that tend to favor hitters, adding difficulty for pitchers. With Ohtani struggling to regain his form, the Dodgers face important decisions about their pitching lineup as the postseason approaches. Currently, the team’s rotation is robust, with recent returns from the injured list including Tyler Blake Snell and Emmett Sheehan, expanding their options to six healthy starters.
Among expected starters for the playoffs are Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow, provided they remain healthy. Clayton Kershaw, holding a solid 3.01 ERA across 15 starts this season, is also anticipated to anchor the rotation in critical games. This depth means Ohtani might not be a guaranteed starter but instead could be utilized in other roles, such as a relief pitcher, an option noted by pitching coach Mark Prior.
“Mark Prior Can ‘Absolutely’ See Shohei Ohtani as a Reliever in MLB Playoffs.”
—Mark Prior, Dodgers Pitching Coach
Ohtani’s Role and Team Outlook for Postseason
The Dodgers’ plans for the playoffs hinge on Ohtani’s ability to improve on the mound, as better pitching performances will be necessary for him to secure a spot in the starting rotation. Nonetheless, his batting remains a valuable asset in the lineup, bolstering the Dodgers’ status as strong National League contenders. The team continues to be favored to advance deep into the postseason and potentially reach the World Series, even as they manage the ongoing challenges with Ohtani’s pitching form.