Making his first pitching start in two weeks, Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani was removed from the mound in the top of the second inning after throwing just 26 pitches. He had shown diminished velocity through the first five batters he faced, and left after a discussion with the team trainer.
Ohtani was replaced on the mound by Tyler Anderson. The team announced shortly after his exit that he was dealing with arm fatigue. Ohtani was pinch-hit for in his next turn through the lineup in the bottom of the third.
Ohtani had his previous start skipped, with the team citing arm fatigue. He’s also dealt with a blister issue on his right throwing hand that’s caused him to leave pitching starts early over the past couple months.
Whatever issue ailed Ohtani on the mound Wednesday did not appear to have an impact on his hitting prior to his exit, as he blasted his MLB-leading 44th home run in the bottom of the first inning to give the team a 2–0 lead.
