Dodgers optimistic after Ohtani exits finale with injury

PITTSBURGH -- The Dodgers defeated the Pirates, 8-6, on Thursday night at PNC Park, but it was a costly victory as superstar Shohei Ohtani was pinch-hit for in the bottom of the seventh inning due to left knee inflammation. According to manager Dave Roberts, Ohtani experienced pain in his left knee/hamstring area after an attempted stolen base that resulted in a foul ball, and the decision to remove him was purely precautionary.

Roberts downplayed the significance of the injury after the game and expressed optimism that Ohtani would play Friday night when his team opens a three-game series against the White Sox at Rate Field. “We tried to be smart about it and get him out of the game,” Roberts said. “He told the trainer that he felt a little something behind his knee, and I just didn’t see any sense in risking it.”

Ohtani was not available to the media after the game. He hit a solo homer in the third inning off Mitch Keller to open the scoring and reached base all four times he batted, collecting a single and two walks. Santiago Espinal entered as a pinch-hitter and remained in the game as designated hitter. Ohtani is hitting .305/.421/.543 in 67 games this season with 13 homers and six stolen bases. As a pitcher, his record stands at 6-2 in 11 starts with a 1.06 ERA, which includes a quality start on Wednesday against the Bucs (four runs, three earned, on eight hits over 6 2/3 innings with six strikeouts).

Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman admitted it was a little scary to see Ohtani leave the game. “He’s only the greatest player in the world,” Freeman remarked. Two innings prior, left-hander Justin Wrobleski exited with a right hamstring contusion after colliding with Pittsburgh left fielder Bryan Reynolds at first base. Reynolds had hit a ball back through the box that deflected off Wrobleski toward Freeman. Wrobleski raced to cover first base and collided with Reynolds while taking a throw from Freeman. Reynolds beat the play for a single as both he and Wrobleski fell to the ground.

Wrobleski received attention from the Dodgers' athletic trainers before being removed from the game and replaced by Will Klein. Wrobleski allowed four runs on six hits and two walks over 4 2/3 innings, recording just one strikeout. Roberts expressed optimism that Wrobleski would make his next start, while Wrobleski himself maintained a positive outlook, stating, “I’ll get some treatment on it and I’ll be fine. I don’t think it’s a big deal. Just a little frustrating.”

Ohtani and Andy Pages each had two hits, two RBIs, and two runs scored, and Kyle Tucker hit a two-run single to enhance the Dodgers' offense. Jack Dreyer (3-1) pitched one scoreless inning for the win, and Tanner Scott secured a four-out save, his seventh of the season. The Dodgers had to hold on for the win after previously leading 5-0 in the fourth inning. This comeback was crucial after they lost a 6-1 lead on Wednesday, ultimately falling 9-8. “It was a very hot and very humid three days,