Shohei Ohtani’s first career start at Coors Field turned into one he’ll want to forget. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ star pitcher gave up nine hits and five earned runs in just four innings Wednesday night, and he was struck in the right leg by a 93 mph line drive during the fourth.
Ohtani rocked in Coors debut, drilled by line drive as Dodgers fall 8-3
The shot came off the bat of Colorado’s Orlando Arcia, bouncing hard off Ohtani’s thigh and rolling up the first-base line. He chased it down but had no play as a run scored. Ohtani limped away in visible pain, though he stayed in to finish the inning before leaving the mound for good.
The Colorado Rockies, the worst team in baseball by record, went on to beat Los Angeles 8-3.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said afterward that the ball avoided Ohtani’s knee, which likely prevented a much more serious injury.
Ohtani said after the game: “I’m glad it didn’t hit the knee,” he said through an interpreter. “We avoided the worst-case scenario. Now it’s about treatment.”
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The rough outing tied the most earned runs Ohtani has allowed since July 2022 and matched a career high in hits surrendered. It was his 10th start since returning from elbow surgery, and he still hasn’t gone beyond 4⅓ innings this season.
Even after being drilled, Ohtani stayed in long enough to reach base twice, including a double in the fifth that extended his on-base streak to 18 games. He did not bat again and was replaced in the eighth inning.
Roberts said Ohtani is expected back in the lineup Friday against the Padres, though he was already scheduled to rest during Thursday’s series finale.
At the plate this year, Ohtani is hitting .284 with 44 home runs and 83 RBIs, sitting one homer behind Kyle Schwarber for the National League lead.
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