Ohtani's unusual start on mound ends with surprise pinch-hit opportunity (opens original article in a new tab)

Shohei Ohtani struggled in his start against the Rays, allowing four runs in the fifth inning and later pinch-hitting without success, while dealing with knee soreness and a pitching hand blister.

• Ohtani allowed four earned runs in the fifth inning against the Rays, his highest in the 2026 season
• Ohtani pinch-hit in the sixth inning but grounded out, leading to the Dodgers losing their designated hitter
• Ohtani is dealing with residual soreness in his left knee and a blister on his pitching hand
• This was the second time this year Ohtani gave up more than one run in an inning