THE Los Angeles Dodgers stunningly took out two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani after no-hitting the Philadelphia Phillies, and that decision would age poorly quickly.
The three-time MLB MVP exited after five innings on Tuesday night after not allowing a hit to the Phillies.
Los Angeles Dodgers two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani throws a pitch during Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia Phillies[/caption]
Ohtani reacts to a call during the second inning of the Dodgers’ eventual 9-6 loss to the Phillies[/caption]
Ohtani took to the mound at Dodger Stadium and registered five strikeouts, one walk, and no earned runs, while not allowing a single hit in five innings.
However, manager Dave Roberts elected to pull Ohtani after throwing 68 pitches in five innings.
The reliever that replaced Ohtani, Justin Wrobleski, proceeded to blow a 4-0 lead and give up five runs.
Philly didn’t look back as they won 9-6.
After the game, Roberts explained the decision to take out Ohtani, saying that the team is continuing its pitch management of Ohtani in his return from Tommy John surgery.
“Yeah, I would have loved to have him go out there, but the conversation was if he’s efficient, he can go to the sixth inning, that’s a different conversation,” the Dodgers skipper said.
“But it was a hard five innings, and that’s just the way it goes, and guys have to do their jobs.”
Roberts’ decision comes a day after Yoshinobu Yamamoto carried a no-hitter through 8 2/3 innings versus the Baltimore Orioles, who came back to win the game.
The Dodgers are looking to keep Ohtani healthy for the playoffs and are being cautious with Ohtani, who will most likely win his fourth MVP.
He has made 13 starts this season, but has hit the five-inning mark in a start just twice.
Ohtani hasn’t exceeded 87 pitches in a game.
The 31-year-old had thrown just 68 pitches in Tuesday night’s start.
Roberts reportedly spoke to Ohtani during the bottom of the fifth inning to see how he felt with a potential complete game no-hitter in sight, per SportsNet LA‘s Kirsten Watson.
The two-time World Series champion manager shared that he had no regrets about how he dealt with the situation in the postgame conference.
Ohtani didn’t express disappointment with the decision as he lowered his ERA to 3.29.
The slugger also smacked his 50th home run of the season.
The Dodgers’ bullpen has struggled mightily as it was the team’s 18th-blown lead loss since July 4.
The bullpen has given up 14 runs in 8 1/3 innings of the series.
Los Angeles has an 84-67 record for the season and leads the San Diego Padres by two games in the NL West.
