Los Angeles Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is having a special season. The 31-year-old has been excellent on the mound this year in his first full season pitching in Dodger blue.
Across 14 starts, he has posted a 1.79 ERA with 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings. He may not throw enough innings to win the National League Cy Young Award, but that is one of his goals for this season.
He has also continued to dominate at the plate. Across 309 at-bats, he has posted a .288 batting average, .403 on-base percentage, .927 OPS, 18 home runs and 50 RBIs. He has already been selected to the NL All-Star Game for a sixth straight season, earning the starting designated hitter spot.
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Unfortunately, as the All-Star break approaches, Ohtani is dealing with a new injury setback. During Friday's game against the San Diego Padres, Ohtani had another solid start on the mound, tossing six innings and allowing three runs in a quality start.
The problem arose in the bottom of the seventh inning. When Ohtani was scheduled for his fourth plate appearance of the night, Miguel Rojas stepped into the on-deck circle and pinch-hit in his place. After the game, manager Dave Roberts announced the reason for his early exit and the plan moving forward.
"Dave Roberts said they're gonna give Shohei Ohtani the day off tomorrow to be safe, but isn't concerned about the severity of his bicep issue," reported Jack Harris of The California Post.
Ohtani's next chance to return to the starting lineup will come on Sunday in a series finale against the Padres. It is unclear whether this will have any impact on his next scheduled start on the mound.
