The Los Angeles Dodgers rolled to a 15-6 win over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, improving to 35-20 atop the National League West as two-time defending World Series champions. The night ended with uncertainty, though, as Shohei Ohtani was struck on the right hand by a pitch and exited the game early.
Manager Dave Roberts addressed Ohtani's status after the game, according to The Athletic's Fabian Ardaya. Roberts confirmed that Ohtani is still on track to pitch on Wednesday in the series finale, though a final decision on whether he will also be available to hit has yet to be made.
Ohtani was plunked by Rockies starter Kyle Freeland in the fourth inning before leaving the game after grounding out in the fifth inning. He finished 0-for-2 with a run scored. Roberts said the pitch mostly struck Ohtani’s wrist guard before grazing his pinky finger.
This season, Roberts has cautiously managed Ohtani’s workload, keeping him from pitching and hitting in the same game at times this season. His numbers at the plate in games he's a pitcher, and a hitter have been well below average. In eight games, Ohtani is batting .143 with one home run and one RBI. As a whole, Ohtani is batting .270 with eight home runs and 29 RBI with six stolen bases and a .873 OPS.
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The 31-year-old signed a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers ahead of the 2024 season. His ability to contribute as a pitcher and a hitter has made the investment worthwhile.
