URGENT UPDATE: Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way star Shohei Ohtani will take the mound on Monday against the Colorado Rockies in Los Angeles. This announcement follows Ohtani’s recent bout with a chest cold that forced him to step down as a pitcher during the Dodgers’ game against the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this week.
Ohtani, who was initially scheduled to pitch on Wednesday, had to limit himself to designated hitter duties. As a result, Emmet Sheehan took the hill in the Dodgers’ loss. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that the decision to postpone Ohtani’s start is aimed at ensuring he can deliver a strong performance against the Rockies. “You want to give him his best chance to pitch five innings in his next start,” Roberts stated.
In a concerning twist for the Dodgers, Will Smith, the three-time All-Star catcher, will miss the upcoming three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles, starting Friday. Smith sustained a bruised right hand after being struck by a foul ball during Wednesday’s game. X-rays taken that night were negative, but further imaging results remain pending.
Ohtani, who is slated to continue as the designated hitter, has made a significant impact this season, boasting a hitting average of .280 with 46 home runs in 136 games. He leads the National League with 125 runs scored and a remarkable .610 slugging percentage. After recovering from his second Tommy John elbow surgery, he returned to pitching on June 16 and has recorded a 1-1 record with a 4.18 ERA over 11 starts.
In the absence of Smith, rookie catcher Dalton Rushing will assume the majority of catching duties. The Dodgers have also selected the contract of veteran catcher Ben Rortvedt from Triple-A Oklahoma City, while infielder Alex Freeland has been optioned to the same club. Rortvedt, who has spent parts of four seasons in the major leagues, carries a career batting average of .186 across 209 games.
Additionally, third baseman Max Muncy is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Oklahoma City following his stint on the injured list due to a strained right oblique injury sustained on August 15.
As the Dodgers navigate these challenges, fans are left eagerly anticipating Ohtani’s return to the mound and hoping for a swift recovery for Smith. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story.
