Shohei Ohtani was one out away from completing seven innings with just one run allowed against the Pittsburgh Pirates when Brandon Lowe hit a 3-0 fastball for a two-run double.
The Los Angeles Dodgers still led 6-3 after the extra-base hit that ended Ohtani’s night on the mound. He finished with six strikeouts but also allowed six hits and walked three batters. There were multiple instances that Ohtani appeared to be feeling the effects of a blister on the middle finger of his right hand.
“No issues with the blisters,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton on SportsNet LA after the Dodgers’ inexcusable 9-8 loss at PNC Park. “I don’t think it’s been affecting my performance.
“Just the last couple at-bats where I wish I got some calls my way, but it just didn’t turn out that way. That’s the part I wish I could’ve been able to change a little bit.”
Signs that Ohtani was dealing with a blister first surfaced during his start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 3. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged it had been a factor in some of Ohtani’s prior outings as well, but said there wasn’t any concern moving forward.
Along with the minor issue, another change for Ohtani was pitching to Dalton Rushing for the first time this season. Rushing caught five of Ohtani’s starts last year.
“I shook a few times more than usual,” Ohtani said. “But I think that’s normal, given I haven’t really worked with him this year. That’s something that you just have to have a conversation here and there to be on the same page.”
Ohtani took a no-decision in the Dodgers’ loss but saw his ERA increase to 1.06.
Why did Dalton Rushing catch Shohei Ohtani?
Rushing made his fourth consecutive start at catcher on Wednesday due to Will Smith’s ongoing neck trouble. The Dodgers initially expected Smith to be back in the lineup for the finale of the Freeway Series. He’s dealt with lingering discomfort that primarily has been an issue when swinging a bat.
Despite initial optimism, the Dodgers now plan to put Smith on the 10-day injured list. It will be backdated to Monday, which makes Friday, June 19, the earliest Smith can be activated.
Chuckie Robinson is getting called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take Smith’s spot on the Dodgers’ roster.
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