Yardbarker
x
Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani leaves start early
Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani exits start due to injury Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani leaves start early due to injury concern

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports  |  By Larry Brown  |  Last updated 8/23/23

Shohei Ohtani’s first game back as a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels did not go well.

Ohtani started the first game of a doubleheader between his Angels and the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. He put the Reds down 1-2-3 in the top of the first and then slugged a two-run home run in the bottom of the first.

Ohtani opened the top of the second inning by issuing a leadoff walk and inducing a pop out, but then signaled to the dugout after throwing a 2-2 pitch which Christian Encarnacion-Strand fouled off. The two-way star left the mound and was replaced as a pitcher by Tyler Anderson.

The Angels seemed to know there might have been an issue with Ohtani entering the start considering they had Anderson ready.

Ohtani has been battling a finger issue for several starts. He also was skipped in what would have been his last turn in the rotation due to fatigue.

Ohtani did not bat in his spot in the bottom of the third inning, indicating he left the game entirely.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.