Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani has continued to redefine what is possible for baseball players. The 31-year-old is well on his way toward capturing his fifth MVP award, yet his ultimate goal is to become a three-time World Series champion this year.
Unfortunately, an injury may disrupt the momentum he has built thus far. Ohtani put together another excellent game during Thursday's series finale against the Pittsburgh Pirates, collecting his 13th home run of the season in the top of the third inning and reaching base all three times in his first three plate appearances.
The problem arose in the top of the seventh inning when Santiago Espinal pinch-hit for him, immediately raising concern. Moments later, the Dodgers announced an update on his condition and his early exit.
"Dodgers Justin Wrobleski left the game with a right hamstring contusion and Shohei Ohtani left the game with left knee inflammation," the team wrote on X.
This is an especially troubling development for the Dodgers if this setback is serious and forces him to miss extended time. It is unclear when Ohtani initially suffered the injury.
The Dodgers would be losing the most valuable player in MLB if he heads to the injured list. This year, in his first full season back as a starting pitcher, he has thrived and is firmly in the National League Cy Young race. In his first 11 starts, he has posted a 1.06 ERA. He has also collected 73 strikeouts in 67 2/3 innings of work.
Ohtani has been scorching hot as a hitter in June as well, posting a .412 batting average, .487 on-base percentage and 1.222 OPS across his first eight games of the month.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts will likely provide another update on his status after the game.
