Ohtani’s Impressive Season Underlying a Minor Issue

PHOENIX — Shohei Ohtani’s astounding under-1.00 ERA this season may be even more remarkable than it seems at first glance.

Interestingly, the two-way superstar has been dealing with a small blister on his right middle finger.

During a recent game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Ohtani was observed pinching his finger during a scoreless sixth inning. A close-up of his hands surfaced while he was in the dugout, raising some eyebrows.

Yet, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated he wasn’t overly concerned. “I didn’t hear much about it after the game,” he said, adding that he doesn’t expect this issue to affect Ohtani moving forward.

Roberts further mentioned that Ohtani has managed this blister in his last several starts. The team’s head trainer, Thomas Albert, has kept him informed about how Ohtani is feeling. Each time he checked in, Ohtani reassured them it wasn’t a concern.

When asked if the blister might explain Ohtani’s recent bouts with control—having walked eight batters but only one in his last three starts before Wednesday—Roberts dismissed that idea. “I don’t think so,” he responded. “When his command is off, it’s a bigger issue than just a blister. It’s a small blister, just a minor detail when it comes to his mechanics.”

Despite this, Ohtani has remained dominant, beginning the season with ten starts and boasting a nearly record-setting 0.74 ERA before shifting back to a full-time pitching role.

“He’s the best player to ever walk this earth,” catcher Will Smith commented after Wednesday’s game.

Ohtani sat out of Thursday’s series finale against the Diamondbacks, taking a scheduled day off that could become a regular practice following his pitching days.

Roberts mentioned earlier this week that managing general body aches and fatigue can make a significant difference in how Ohtani performs the following day.

This season, the Dodgers had initially tried a different approach by removing him from the batting order for the first three games and letting him be the designated hitter the next day. However, that strategy shifted after May 13, when the team pulled him from the lineup as the DH for consecutive days. Since then, he has played both roles in his last three starts, resting the following day.

“Going into tonight, there’s some mental peace knowing tomorrow might not be great,” Roberts said before Wednesday’s game, during which Ohtani reached base five times (with three singles and two walks), helping bring his batting average above .300. “There’s value in knowing he can give it all and not have to worry about the next day.”