Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani had another incredible performance on Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox.
He conceded a single run in 6.1 frames and struck out 10 hitters from the mound, and hit two home runs to reach 28 on the season.
He leads the league in the latter category.
There were some health-related issues that forced him off of the mound, though.
He left the game as a pitcher with a trainer, and while he stayed as a designated hitter, there are concerns about one of his fingers.
“Shohei Ohtani dealt with a cracked right middle finger. He said he’s not sure what day his next start will be in San Diego. And he said he’s also not sure about the Home Run Derby until he knows when his last start will be before the break,” Angels insider Rhett Bollinger tweeted.
Shohei Ohtani dealt with a cracked right middle finger. He said he’s not sure what day his next start will be in San Diego. And he said he’s also not sure about the Home Run Derby until he knows when his last start will be before the break.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) June 28, 2023
It would be really unfortunate for fans if a cracked fingernail took away the chance of seeing Ohtani hit home run after home run in the Derby.
It’s not yet official, as he told Bollinger he is not sure and it will depend on when he makes his last pitching appearance of the first half.
However, one can understand the Angels if they encourage him not to participate in the Derby to preserve his health.
They are 44-37 and actually in the AL West race, so being cautious with their star should be the way to go.
At least the injury concern is a cracked fingernail and not an elbow or shoulder injury, so there is the silver lining for fans.
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