Shohei Ohtani took a shot to his throwing hand on Tuesday night, getting plunked on the right hand during the Dodgers–Rockies matchup at Dodger Stadium and exiting after the fifth inning. Trainers checked him at the plate and again in the dugout, and he initially stayed in the game before Dalton Rushing pinch-hit for him in the fifth. The timing turned heads because Ohtani was lined up to start on the mound for the Dodgers the very next day.
How it happened
According to MLB.com, Ohtani was hit on the back of his right hand by an 85.2-mph changeup from Colorado left-hander Kyle Freeland. The outlet reported that Ohtani did not appear especially bothered at first and waved trainers away after they examined him in the dugout. MLB.com also noted that the Dodgers did not provide an immediate diagnosis following the play.
Exit and lineup change
The Associated Press recap carried by the Eagle-Tribune reports that Ohtani was 0 for 2 with a run scored when he left the game. He grounded out in the fifth inning, and Rushing took his next plate appearance as a pinch-hitter. The AP account also points out that Kiké Hernández later departed with what the Dodgers announced as a left oblique issue. Local beat writers and the live game feed circulated video and play-by-play updates as the team worked on any follow-up information.
What it means for Wednesday
MLB.com's game story stated that Ohtani remained listed as the Dodgers’ scheduled starter for Wednesday’s series finale, so any update before first pitch will draw close scrutiny. The club had not issued an injury diagnosis in the immediate aftermath, and the team’s pregame notes will determine whether he takes the mound as planned or is scratched from the start.
What to watch next
For play-by-play, box score details and the official lineup card, check the game recap at CBS Sports, which logs the hit-by-pitch and Rushing’s pinch-hit groundout. Fans and reporters should keep an eye out for a Dodgers update before Wednesday’s first pitch, as the club typically posts lineup and availability news in the hour leading up to game time.
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