Shohei Ohtani’s highly anticipated pitching return hit a humid snag on Wednesday night in Cincinnati, as the Dodgers’ two-way phenom exited his start early due to cramping in his right hip. Though the 90-degree heat and intense humidity were likely culprits, the abrupt ending stirred unease for fans and coaches alike.
Ohtani, 31, began feeling discomfort in the first inning but managed to pitch into the fourth before tossing six consecutive balls—two of which were wild pitches—prompting manager Dave Roberts and a trainer to pull him. Still, the reigning NL MVP stayed in the lineup as designated hitter, going 0-for-5 in the Dodgers’ 5–2 loss to the Reds.
“It didn’t quite work out in the fourth,” Ohtani admitted postgame, noting the conditions but viewing the outing as a “step forward” in his pitching comeback from 2023 Tommy John surgery.
Despite the shortened start, Ohtani threw 51 pitches and struck out four, pushing his season ERA to 2.40 across 15 innings. His next scheduled start is August 6 at Dodger Stadium against the Cardinals—thankfully, without the oppressive Midwest heat.
With 38 home runs already this season, Ohtani continues to balance elite-level hitting and pitching in his historic comeback year.
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