Los Angeles, CA – Shohei Ohtani’s highly anticipated pitching start against the Pittsburgh Pirates was scrapped Wednesday afternoon, as the Dodgers announced the superstar was battling an illness. Despite feeling under the weather, Ohtani remained in the lineup as the designated hitter, going 2-for-5 in a game where the Dodgers ultimately fell 3-0 to the Pirates.
The nature of Ohtani’s illness wasn’t immediately disclosed, but the team opted to play it safe, preventing him from taking the mound. The decision raises questions about his availability for future starts, with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expected to provide further updates in the coming days. While Ohtani’s bat remained a presence in the lineup, it wasn’t enough to spark the Dodgers’ offense against a strong Pirates pitching performance.
Adding to the Dodgers’ woes, catcher Will Smith was forced to exit the game due to a hand injury. The severity of Smith’s injury is currently unknown, and he will undergo further evaluation to determine the extent of the damage. His absence would be a significant blow to the Dodgers, as Smith is a key contributor both offensively and defensively.
The Dodgers will look to bounce back in the remaining games of the series against the Pirates, hoping for a swift recovery for both Ohtani and Smith. The team’s depth will be tested as they navigate these unexpected setbacks.
