Shohei Ohtani Exits Mound Early Due to Injury, Continues as Designated Hitter
Shohei Ohtani left a Dodgers game early from the mound due to potential hip cramping and pitching struggles, but continued as a designated hitter, leveraging the 'Ohtani Rule' after previous elbow surgery.
Overview
- Shohei Ohtani, pitching for the Dodgers, experienced discomfort and potential hip cramping during a game, leading to his early departure from the mound in the fourth inning.
- His pitching performance was notably affected, as he threw six consecutive balls and two wild pitches before being accompanied off the mound by a trainer.
- Despite being removed from his pitching duties due to the injury, Ohtani remained in the game and continued to bat as the designated hitter.
- This unique ability to stay in the game as a hitter after leaving the mound is facilitated by the 'Ohtani Rule,' designed for two-way players.
- Ohtani had previously undergone right elbow surgery, which will prevent him from pitching throughout the entire 2024 season, emphasizing his current role as a hitter.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources present a neutral, fact-based account of Shohei Ohtani's early exit from the mound. They focus on objective reporting of the incident, detailing his pitches, injury history, and immediate game status without employing loaded language or speculative commentary. The coverage prioritizes factual accuracy and chronological reporting, avoiding any discernible editorial slant.
"Ohtani threw six straight balls — including two consecutive wild pitches — and, after a conference on the mound, departed with a 2-0 count against Spencer Steer."
Associated Press"Ohtani was removed from the game due to cramps, ultimately making it seemingly a precautionary measure."
USA TODAYArticles (3)
FAQ
Shohei Ohtani left the mound early due to cramps, which caused discomfort and affected his pitching performance, leading to an early exit in the fourth inning.
The 'Ohtani Rule' allows two-way players like Shohei Ohtani to remain in the game as a designated hitter after being removed from pitching duties, enabling him to continue batting despite leaving the mound early due to injury.
Before leaving, Ohtani pitched into the fourth inning for the first time this season but struggled with command, throwing six consecutive balls including two wild pitches; his fastball velocity was strong but hip cramping likely affected his control.
Yes, Ohtani had right elbow surgery that will prevent him from pitching during the entire 2024 season; he is currently focusing more on hitting due to that surgery.
Despite pitching setbacks, Ohtani continues to excel as a hitter, maintaining a batting average of .272 with 38 home runs and 73 RBIs, and contributing significant value as a designated hitter for the Dodgers.
History
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