Shohei Ohtani had a challenging pitching debut at Coors Field, giving up five runs and nine hits before being hit by a line drive and exiting early in the Dodgers’ 8-3 loss to the Rockies. This incident raises concerns about his condition and performance as he continues his comeback from elbow surgery.
Shohei Ohtani, the two-way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was the central figure in a disappointing game against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Coors Field in Denver. Ohtani, who is also a designated hitter, was making his first career pitching start at this venue, which is known for its hitter-friendly conditions.
During the game, Ohtani struggled on the mound, allowing five earned runs and nine hits over just four innings of work. This performance matched some of his worst statistical outings since July 2022, highlighting difficulties in his return to pitching after missing the entire 2024 season due to elbow surgery. He entered the game with a 3.47 ERA and no decisions in his previous starts this season.
The pivotal moment occurred in the fourth inning with runners on second and third and one out. Colorado’s Orlando Arcia hit a sharp line drive at 93 mph that struck Ohtani on the right thigh, causing visible pain and limping. The ball ricocheted towards the first base line, and Ohtani attempted to field it but had no play as a run scored. Team medical personnel and manager Dave Roberts visited the mound to check on him.
Despite the injury, Ohtani remained in the game to finish the inning, getting the final two outs, but the Dodgers trailed 5-0 at that point. He later drew a walk in his at-bat in the fifth inning but was pinch-hit for in the eighth inning by Alex Call, who struck out. The Dodgers ultimately lost the game 8-3.
After the game, manager Dave Roberts provided an update, noting that the line drive hit Ohtani on the thigh and avoided direct contact with the knee or bone, which is a positive sign regarding potential injury severity. However, the incident and his performance raise questions about his durability and effectiveness as a pitcher moving forward.
The impact of this game is significant for the Dodgers, who are reigning World Series champions and leading the National League West. Ohtani’s health and performance are crucial to their success, especially given his dual role and high expectations. This loss also came against the MLB-worst Rockies, adding to the disappointment.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers will likely monitor Ohtani’s condition closely, with possible updates on any injuries or adjustments to his pitching schedule. His next start and at-bats will be closely watched to see how he recovers from this incident. The team continues its season with hopes of maintaining their division lead and defending their title.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/dodgers-shohei-ohtani-2526bf0bad22ce05c7857f3ee64c419e