(Anaheim) With a weary arm, Shohei Ohtani of the Angels pitched just one and a third innings Wednesday in Los Angeles, where the Cincinnati Reds won 9-4.
The count was two and two against Christian Encarnacion-Strand when the therapists came to chat with him, after a fast 94 miles per hour.
It was soon decided that that was it for the Japanese for the day.
Tyler Anderson replaced Ohtani for four and two-thirds innings. Anderson was scheduled to be the Angels’ starting pitcher on Friday at Citi Field.
Nolan Schanuel took his place as the hitter of choice. He got a single and struck out three walks.
“He told me it wasn’t pain,” manager Phil Nevin said. It was more like what he’s been through for the past two weeks. »
Ohtani passed up a start last week, for a break.
Ohtani had blisters and other minor injuries this season, but he still remained as the hitter of choice.
In the first round at bat, Ohtani hit his 44th home run of the season—a major league high. Luis Rengifo had just drawn a goal on balls.
The American’s most valuable player in 2021, Ohtani could well repeat this year.
In addition to his batting prowess (91 RBI and .305 average), he is 10-5 and has a 3.14 ERA.
Elly De La Cruz drove in six runs for the Reds, who are battling for a playoff spot in the Nationals.
The young shortstop slammed a three-run homer and an equally effective triple.
