The Los Angeles Angels lost in heartbreaking fashion on Thursday against the Seattle Mariners.
They came into the ninth inning up 3-1, but closer Carlos Estevez gave up a grand slam to Cade Marlowe and Seattle won it.
The Angels had Ohtani as their starter for the game, but he was limited to four innings (scoreless) with cramps in his right hand and fingers.
“Shohei Ohtani was removed from tonight’s game (as a pitcher) with cramping in his right hand and fingers,” the Angels tweeted.
Shohei Ohtani was removed from tonight’s game (as a pitcher) with cramping in his right hand and fingers
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) August 4, 2023
He stayed in the game as a hitter and went 2-for-2 with a walk, a home run, two runs, and an RBI.
It was his 40th homer of the 2023 campaign.
There is no clue as to whether he will be available to make his next start, though.
There is a feeling around the industry that the cramps have to do with overuse: Ohtani starts at least once a week (with all the training and prep that comes with it) and also hits nearly every day.
His body might be asking for a break.
How, however, do you rest the man on which your playoffs hopes depend so heavily?
We don’t know, but it’s a problem for the Angels and they need to come up with a solution.
Perhaps a two-week break from starting can do the trick, or shorter outings.
The truth is that Ohtani is their single most important player for their playoff push, but he is feeling the wear and tear of a long, stressful season.
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