Shohei Ohtani Hits 13th Home Run of Season, Exits Early Due to Left Knee Inflammation

Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers was forced to leave the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the top of the 7th inning on Tuesday due to left knee inflammation. According to Reuters, Ohtani had a standout performance before his exit, hitting a home run for the second consecutive game, going 2-for-2 with 4 times on base. He was replaced as the designated hitter by Santiago Espinal. Earlier in the game, the Dodgers also lost starting pitcher Justin Wrobleski. He was hit by a 96.9 mph line drive above his thigh and later collided with Bryan Reynolds on an infield single in the 5th inning. The left-handed pitcher exited the game with a right hamstring contusion. He pitched 4.2 innings, allowing 6 hits (including 2 home runs) and 4 earned runs. Ohtani opened the scoring in the 3rd inning, hitting a sweeper from Mitch Keller on a full count over the right-center field wall for a solo home run. This was Ohtani's 13th home run of the season. In the previous game, a 9-8 loss to the Pirates, Ohtani also hit a two-run home run.