Ohtani smashes a home run in the third consecutive game, upping his yearly total to 42, igniting a comeback for the Dodgers.
Shohei Ohtani Deals with Cramping as Dodgers Beat Angels
In a thrilling game at Angel Stadium on August 11, the Los Angeles Dodgers emerged victorious over their California rivals, the Los Angeles Angels. The eighth inning was particularly significant as Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers' designated hitter, hit a 2-run home run against his former team.
The photograph of this momentous occasion was captured by Reuters and YONHAP, capturing the excitement and joy on Ohtani's face as he celebrated with his teammates. However, the game was not without incident for Ohtani, who has been managing a cramping issue in his right hip.
Ohtani's injury, which caused him to leave a game against the Cincinnati Reds earlier in the month, has not been fully disclosed. The specifics of his return to pitching, including the stadium and the exact date, are yet to be announced. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is considering an open-ended schedule for Ohtani's return, prioritising his recovery and physical response.
The cramping issue is primarily attributed to the hot and humid weather conditions, rather than a new injury. Ohtani underwent a second Tommy John surgery in 2023 and has been making a gradual comeback to pitching. As of August 18, his status for his next game is "to be determined," with a possibility he may receive a full day off to rest.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his pitching comeback, Ohtani's performance as a hitter has been impressive. In addition to the 2-run home run against the Angels, he has also hit home runs in other games, showcasing his versatility as a two-way player.
The Dodgers will be eagerly awaiting Ohtani's return to the mound, hoping that he can continue to contribute to their success both as a hitter and a pitcher. In the meantime, they will look to build on their win against the Angels and continue their push towards the playoffs.
[1] ESPN [2] MLB.com [3] Sporting News [4] CBS Sports [5] MLB Trade Rumors
Shohei Ohtani, despite his impressive performance at the plate, has been dealing with a cramping issue in his right hip, which was also noticed during a game against the Cincinnati Reds. Even though the details of his return to pitching are yet to be announced, the MLB community will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on developments, as sports fans and experts alike eagerly await the return of this versatile player to the baseball field.
