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Ohtani hit by pitch but starts, homers and pitches

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Los Angeles — Shohei Ohtani was struck on the right hand by a Kyle Freeland pitch and left the Dodgers’ game Tuesday night after grounding out in the fifth; manager Dave Roberts said the ball mostly hit the pad of Ohtani’s hand and clipped his pinkie, and the team planned rest ahead of his scheduled Wednesday start. On Wednesday night Ohtani remained in the Dodgers’ rotation, homering to lead off the first inning and delivering a hitless opening frame; Roberts and medical staff continued monitoring his hand and confirmed the decision to start prioritized his pitching readiness while observing for any subsequent issues.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

May 20: Ohtani homered and threw five innings in San Diego.
Tuesday night: Ohtani hit on right hand by Kyle Freeland; left game after fifth inning.
Post-game Tuesday: Manager Dave Roberts described the contact as clipping Ohtani’s pinkie; rest was planned.
Wednesday night: Ohtani started, homered leading off the first, and produced a hitless opening frame.
Ongoing: Dodgers medical and coaching staff monitored the hand and evaluated whether he should bat.

Why This Matters to You

Ohtani's resilience is a lesson in determination. Despite a painful hit, he returned to the game, performing at his best. His story can inspire us to push through our own challenges. Check out his next game to see this perseverance in action.

The Bottom Line

Ohtani's ability to bounce back after an injury and still deliver a stellar performance is a testament to his skill and dedication. His story is a reminder that setbacks are temporary. Worth forwarding if you know someone who needs a little motivation today.