Shohei Ohtani hit a leadoff home run and pitched five scoreless innings as the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a 4-0 victory over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Wednesday.
The result allowed the visitors to win the series against their bitter rivals.
It also extended their advantage in the National League West to one and a half games.
Historic dual-threat performance
Starting a game as both the leadoff batter and the starting pitcher is a rare feat in baseball history.
Hitting a home run to open the game while also taking the mound is something no other player had ever achieved before Ohtani.
The Japanese international has now accomplished this unique double twice in his career.
Pitching through five innings, the two-way superstar retired the first nine batters in order before facing difficulty.
“The results were good, as you saw, but the process wasn’t that great,” he admitted through an interpreter.
Overcoming mid-game challenges
His velocity dropped slightly in the fourth inning as San Diego loaded the bases with just one out.
However, an 88th-pitch sweeper to Fernando Tatis Jr forced an inning-ending double play to escape the jam.
Despite recording his shortest start of the season, his earned run average dropped to a remarkable 0.73.
Only legendary left-hander Fernando Valenzuela has posted a lower mark through his first eight starts of a Dodgers season, achieving the feat in 1981.
Workload management remains a priority
To preserve his fitness, Los Angeles management had previously kept their marquee player out of the batting lineup on days he pitched.
The rotation was adjusted this week to allow him to bat on Wednesday, knowing a scheduled rest day followed on Thursday.
“I think it’s just another case in point that it’s good for us to be mindful of the workload and just not take that for granted,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
“But he’s still pretty special and got through it.”
Shohei Ohtani drove in five runs, including a dramatic ‘little league’ home run, as the Los Angeles Dodgers secured a resounding 15-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim on Saturday night.
The Japanese superstar returned to top form against his former franchise after being granted a brief rest period by management.
That short break clearly rejuvenated the two-time American League MVP, who went 2-for-4 at the plate alongside two walks and two runs scored.
Bizarre bounce sparks dramatic score
The defining moment arrived in the eighth inning during the Freeway Series clash at Angel Stadium.
The designated hitter ripped a ball into the right-field corner, which took an unpredictable ricochet off newly installed safety netting.
Angels outfielder Jo Adell mistakenly assumed a ground-rule double and hesitated to retrieve the live ball.
Adell’s subsequent desperate throw into the infield sailed off-target, allowing the lightning-fast slugger to complete a two-run triple and score on the throwing error.
“I just kept running.”
Angels manager Kurt Suzuki vainly challenged the play, unsuccessfully arguing that a spectator had interfered before the ball bounced back.
Slump banished as Dodgers dominate
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts felt vindicated by his decision to rest his star player following a recent barren spell.
“We were hoping to get a reset with a couple days off, and I think that’s what happened.”
Prior to this weekend, the left-handed batter had endured a frustrating period, suffering an 0-for-17 slump bridging late April and early May.
However, he banished any lingering doubts in the ninth inning by crushing a bases-loaded double to cement his first five-RBI performance in nearly a year.
“Just happy to be performing in front of both Dodger fans and Angels fans. I’m really happy I was able to contribute a lot today.”
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell will undergo surgery on his left elbow on Tuesday but is expected to return to action later this season.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner requires the procedure to remove loose bodies from the joint.
His latest setback was discovered on Thursday, forcing the left-hander to be scratched from a scheduled start against the Los Angeles Angels.
This comes after a difficult season debut last weekend, where he conceded four earned runs in three innings having previously battled left shoulder fatigue.
Quicker recovery anticipated
Despite the surgical intervention, the reigning World Series champions remain optimistic about his prognosis.
“It’s going to be to take out those loose bodies, and it’s supposed to be a lot quicker recovery, so we’re encouraged about that.”
Manager Dave Roberts indicated that the 33-year-old might undergo a minimally invasive procedure similar to the one recently performed on Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal.
Skubal was able to resume light throwing activities just over a week after his operation earlier in the year.
“I think just with the MRI, the scans and everything, we feel good about getting back to play sooner than later.”
Mounting pitching concerns
The veteran pitcher missed the majority of the 2025 regular season due to previous shoulder issues, limiting him to just 11 starts.
However, he returned to form during the playoffs, securing a 3-2 postseason record as he helped guide the franchise to a second consecutive championship.
This latest medical setback adds to a growing list of pitching absences for the Dodgers.
Closer Edwin Diaz underwent a similar elbow operation in April, while starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow is currently sidelined with back spasms.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Blake Snell has been placed on the injured list with an elbow problem just days after making his season debut.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner was a late scratch from his scheduled start against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday.
Medical evaluations revealed the left-hander is suffering from loose bodies within his pitching elbow.
Will Klein was subsequently drafted in to start the interleague contest in his place.
Another setback for the high-profile acquisition
This latest fitness blow comes less than a week after the lucrative signing returned to the rotation sooner than originally anticipated.
He pitched three innings and allowed four earned runs against the Atlanta Braves last Saturday.
Prior to that appearance, the former Tampa Bay and San Diego ace had been sidelined since late March experiencing left shoulder fatigue.
World Series pedigree overshadowed by injuries
Physical ailments have heavily disrupted his time in California since signing a five-year contract worth $182m in November 2024.
The elite strikeout artist was restricted to just 11 regular-season starts during the 2025 campaign owing to a lingering shoulder issue.
However, he proved his immense value during the postseason by winning three of his six playoff appearances.
Those crucial October performances helped secure a second consecutive World Series title for the Dodgers franchise.
Shohei Ohtani delivered seven scoreless innings to help the Los Angeles Dodgers secure a 4-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night.
The Japanese superstar struck out eight batters and allowed just four hits to snap his team’s four-game losing streak.
Despite an ongoing slump at the plate, the two-way phenomenon was rested from the offensive lineup but continued his spectacular form on the mound.
Historic start to the season
His earned run average (ERA) now sits at a remarkable 0.82, making it the sixth-lowest through a pitcher’s first seven starts since 1994.
The veteran ace easily leads the major leagues in ERA, sitting well ahead of New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler.
He also ranks third overall in WHIP, highlighting a dominant return to a full-time pitching role within a strict six-man rotation.
“He wants to be the best pitcher in baseball,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “And right now, he’s doing it.”
Managing the offensive workload
While his pitching has drawn early Cy Young Award consideration, the former Los Angeles Angel has struggled uncharacteristically with the bat.
He has managed only seven home runs this season, accumulating just three singles and a double in 36 at-bats earlier this month.
As a result, the Dodgers are actively managing his workload as he approaches his 32nd birthday.
He sat out Wednesday’s hitting lineup and will also rest during Thursday’s series finale to recover.
“First and foremost, the fact that I’m not injured, that’s a good thing,” Ohtani said through an interpreter.
“I do want to contribute more offensively. I haven’t done so this year, so I’m looking forward to doing that.”
Seeking momentum at the plate
A promising opposite-field home run on Tuesday ended a 13-game drought, giving the designated hitter renewed confidence.
“My last at-bat as a hitter yesterday was really good, so I want to continue that momentum whenever I get to hit again,” he added.
Despite the gruelling nature of his dual responsibilities, the right-handed pitcher insists he feels at his absolute physical peak.
New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried will undergo medical imaging on Thursday after exiting Wednesday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles with left elbow soreness.
The 32-year-old was withdrawn after completing just three innings of the American League contest.
Team physician Dr Chris Ahmad is scheduled to examine the left-hander following complaints of posterior soreness in his pitching arm.
Prior to his early departure, the former Atlanta Braves starter had surrendered three runs and five hits to the visiting Orioles.
Bullpen summoned as recent struggles continue
Reliever Paul Blackburn was immediately instructed to warm up as the injured ace headed straight down the stadium tunnel.
This physical setback follows a difficult previous outing for the veteran in Milwaukee, where he conceded five runs over six innings.
Despite these recent difficulties, the marquee signing has been a vital component of the New York rotation this season.
All-Star pedigree and injury history
The 2025 All-Star selection had compiled a respectable 3.21 earned run average across 10 starts during his debut campaign in the Bronx.
While elbow joint issues are a fresh concern, the southpaw has previously endured multiple spells on the medical sidelines.
Throughout his tenure in Atlanta between 2018 and 2023, recurring blister problems on his throwing hand repeatedly forced him onto the injured list.
New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge is maintaining record-breaking form to drive his team towards an elusive World Series title amid intense external pressure.
The 6-foot-7 outfielder has blasted 16 home runs in 43 games, putting him on pace to challenge his own American League record.
Manager Aaron Boone continues to marvel at his star player’s consistency, noting an impressive on-base plus slugging mark approaching 1.100.
“I really think he’s just playing a different game than the rest,” Boone said.
Sustaining excellence in the Bronx
The American League MVP contender recently celebrated his 34th birthday and remains determined to secure the one major accolade missing from a glittering resume.
Despite winning 94 games last season, the franchise suffered a disappointing exit in the division series against the Toronto Blue Jays.
General manager Brian Cashman subsequently faced intense criticism for retaining the core of that squad during a relatively quiet offseason.
“The urgency’s been the same since I stepped on the field. So, that won’t change with me if I’m 42 or if I’m 21,” Judge said.
Silencing the sceptics
That continuity strategy now appears vindicated, with the Bronx Bombers boasting a 27-16 record and a league-best plus-76 run differential.
Their dominant start to the campaign leaves them setting the pace in the American League, bolstered by a potent offence and deep pitching rotation.
The veteran slugger dismissed negative narratives surrounding the team’s lack of winter roster turnover.
“People want to talk about it as a bad thing… but if you come back and take the same test with the same questions, same answers, you’re going to do a little better,” he explained.
Mookie Betts is set to return to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup for Monday’s series opener against the San Francisco Giants after missing over a month with a right oblique strain.
The four-time World Series champion has been sidelined since 4 April following an injury sustained against the Washington Nationals.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the versatile star will hit second or third upon re-entering the batting order.
Roster reshuffle looming
His impending activation creates a difficult selection dilemma for the National League West franchise.
Roberts acknowledged that a corresponding move will be required to free up space for the returning veteran.
“It’s a good problem in a sense of where we’re at, but it’s a potential tough conversation.”
The manager explained the situation prior to Sunday’s series finale against the Atlanta Braves.
Minor league preparations complete
While the 2018 American League MVP recovered, Hyeseong Kim, Alex Freeland and Santiago Espinal successfully shared middle infield duties.
Before his setback, the highly decorated player had recorded a .179 batting average with two home runs and seven runs batted in.
He finalised a brief rehabilitation assignment over the weekend with Triple-A affiliate Oklahoma City.
The returning standout registered two hits and a walk across two minor league games to prove his match fitness.