Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani made his 13th start of the season as a pitcher Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium against the Phillies. To say he was sharp would be an understatement. He carved the Phillies up for five scoreless innings, allowing only one walk while striking out five. He didn’t even allow a hit, but was pulled from the game after 68 pitches.
It wasn’t all too shocking, given the way the Dodgers are handling Ohtani in his return this season on the mound from elbow surgery. His season high in pitches so far this season is 80, but he hasn’t yet thrown more than five innings, so this seems to be the plan with Ohtani, at least for now. He just isn’t going to throw more than five innings and even working on a no-hitter isn’t going to change that.Â
The big twist here came after Ohtani left. The Dodgers had spotted Ohtani a 4-0 lead. Reliever Justin Wrobleski entered the game and recorded one out before he allowed the Phillies’ first hit. Then the second. Then the third. Then Bryce Harper came through with a bases-loaded double before Brandon Marsh homered and it was 5-4 Phillies before anyone could catch their breath.Â
Edgardo Henriquez relieved Wrobleski and allowed a Max Kepler solo shot.Â
So, again, the quick recap: The Dodgers had a 4-0 lead and Ohtani hadn’t allowed a hit, the Dodgers pulled Ohtani and the Phillies scored six runs in the next inning.