Shohei Ohtani survives scare against Rockies, logs one of worst MLB starts 

Dodgers representatives, including manager Dave Roberts, rushed to the mound to check on Ohtani, who limped back to the mound after the play was over. After some pitches to test the leg, Ohtani stayed in the game.

The Rockies, however, didn't let up. Tyler Freeman's two-out RBI single elevated the score to 5-0 before Ohtani escaped the inning by striking out Ezequiel Tovar.

That would be his final batter of the night. He would, however, stay in the game as the designated hitter, drawing a walk in the next half-inning after being struck in the leg.

Ohtani's final line included three strikeouts and no walks, with 49 of his 66 pitches going for strikes, in arguably one of the worst starts of his MLB career.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said before the game that Ohtani would have a "hard stop" at 5.0 innings, adding, "We're at altitude and just want to make sure his body responds."

Colorado, however, didn't let Ohtani get to that fifth inning, using a two-run second inning and three-run fourth inning to create a signature moment in what has been a tough season for the 36-90 Rockies, who entered Wednesday 36.0 games behind Los Angeles in the National League West.

Even with the line drive hitting Ohtani in the leg, Roberts said before Wednesday's game that he planned to give the two-way superstar the day off (with a potential for pinch-hitting) on Thursday when the Rockies and Dodgers finish their four-game series. 

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.