MLB: Shohei Ohtani Injured After 13th Homer; Dodgers Pitcher Also Exits

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was forced to leave a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday due to left knee inflammation. The Japanese superstar hit his 13th home run of the season earlier in the game but was unexpectedly replaced by a pinch hitter in the seventh inning. The team officially announced Ohtani's departure was due to the knee issue.

Ohtani had a productive day at the plate before his exit. He drew a walk in his first at-bat and later connected with a low 82.6 mph sweeper from Pirates pitcher Mitch Keller for a solo home run in the third inning. He also singled in the fourth inning and drew another walk in the fifth. His performance brought his batting average up to .305 with an OPS of .964 before leaving the game.

The Dodgers' injury woes continued as rookie left-handed pitcher Justin Wrobleski also exited the game prematurely. Wrobleski was struck on the right leg by a 96.2 mph comebacker off the bat of Bryan Reynolds in the bottom of the fifth inning. He suffered a right hamstring contusion and was unable to continue, finishing his outing after 4.2 innings, allowing 6 hits, including 2 home runs, and 4 runs. His ERA rose to 2.95.

This marks another blow for the Dodgers, who have recently dealt with other player absences. Ohtani's knee inflammation adds to the team's concerns as they navigate the season, with his status for upcoming games now uncertain.

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This was the play that led to Justin Wrobleski exiting the game. He got hit on a comebacker and then got his feet tangled at 1st base. Wrobo was angry as he left. Hard to know if it was an injury or just pain/frustration that led to his reaction.