Translation result.
▲ Shohei Ohtani. 
▲ Ohtani warming up before the game against the Colorado Rockies.
[SPOTV News = Reporter Shin Won-chul] Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) was hit on his right hand by a pitch during an at-bat the day before a scheduled start and was removed from the game as a precaution. The Dodgers expect him to make his start, but whether he will serve as a two-way player remains uncertain. Manager Dave Roberts said he’ll evaluate the situation carefully before making a decision.
On the 27th (Korean time) at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani was in the lineup as the No. 1 designated hitter against the Colorado Rockies but did not finish the game. He went 0-for-2 with a run scored and was replaced by pinch-hitter Dalton Rushing in the fifth inning.
The early exit came after a Kyle Freeland pitch glanced near Ohtani’s right wrist in the fourth inning; the club removed him to protect the player. It was the first time Ohtani left a game early while serving as the designated hitter. Trainers rushed out to check him, and the crowd reacted loudly.
Although Ohtani initially remained in the game after being hit by the pitch, the Dodgers sent in a pinch-hitter for his next plate appearance. Roberts had indicated before the game that Ohtani was scheduled to both pitch and hit on the 28th, but the HBP made the two-way plan — and even his start — appear uncertain. Roberts later confirmed in a postgame interview that Ohtani is expected to start on the 28th.
▲ Manager Dave Roberts
After the Dodgers’ 15-6 win, Roberts said the ball likely struck Ohtani’s hand or his protective guard and could have affected his pinky, but added that Ohtani “seems fine.” Roberts said no X-rays were necessary and none were taken. “I don’t think there’s an issue with his hand,” he said.
That said, Ohtani’s originally announced plan to both pitch and hit on the 28th is now uncertain. Roberts explained that the early removal on the 27th factored in workload management and said the team hasn’t decided whether Ohtani will bat.
On the 28th, Ohtani is set to face a fellow Japanese starter: Colorado announced Tomoyuki Sugano as its starter. Sugano has settled into Colorado’s rotation with a 4-3 record and a 3.86 ERA. Ohtani is 4-2 with a 0.73 ERA, maintaining an ERA below 1.00.
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