On Tuesday night, Los Angeles Angels pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani had to exit the game early after allowing two consecutive home runs. The reason for his early departure was a blister on his pitching hand.
The Angels were playing the Texas Rangers at home in Anaheim, California when Ohtani took the mound in the fourth inning. He had already recorded two strikeouts when he allowed a solo home run to Rangers outfielder Joey Gallo. The next batter, Rougned Odor, also hit a home run off of Ohtani.
After the second home run, Ohtani was seen shaking his hand and then left the game. He was later diagnosed with a blister on his right middle finger, which is the same finger he had surgery on in 2018.
Ohtani has been a key player for the Angels this season, both as a pitcher and as a designated hitter. He has a 4-2 record as a pitcher with an ERA of 3.10 and is batting .263 with 8 home runs and 24 RBIs as a designated hitter.
The Angels have not yet announced how long Ohtani will be out of action due to the blister. However, they are hopeful that he will be able to return to the team soon. In the meantime, they will need to find a way to replace his production both on the mound and at the plate.
It is unfortunate that Ohtani had to leave the game due to the blister, but it is important that he takes the time necessary to make sure he is healthy before returning to action. The Angels will need him back as soon as possible if they want to make a run at the playoffs this season.
