Shohei Ohtani Leaves Late In Dodgers’ Win Over Padres With Back Tightness

SAN DIEGO — Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ standout designated hitter, exited after his fourth at-bat in Saturday night’s 5-0 win against the San Diego Padres due to back tightness, according to manager Dave Roberts.

AP – VOR News image

Shohei Ohtani Leaves Late In Dodgers’ Win Over Padres With Back Tightness

Shohei finished 0 for 3 with a walk and grounded out to the pitcher in his final at-bat in the seventh inning. In the ninth inning, Kiké Hernández came in to pinch-hit.

“His back tightened up,” Roberts added. “So it was one of those situations when I found out before his fourth at-bat that his back had tightened up. So, with a 5-0 lead, we didn’t want to push it. We’ll see how he gets in tomorrow.”

AP – VOR News Image

Shohei Ohtani Leaves Late In Dodgers’ Win Over Padres With Back Tightness

While Roberts stated that his fear was “minimal,” he was “more leaning” towards having Shohei sit out Sunday as a precaution.

“Things could change, but most likely, we’ll probably give him the day (off),” added Roberts.

AP – VOR News Image

Shohei Ohtani Leaves Late In Dodgers’ Win Over Padres With Back Tightness

Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December, has been one of the most productive hitters in the majors this season. The two-time AL MVP leads baseball with a 1.090 OPS and is hitting.352, trailing just Cleveland’s Steven Kwan (.353). Ohtani also has 11 home runs and 27 RBIs, which rank among the league leaders.

SOURCE – (AP)