The Los Angeles Angels were dealt a potentially worrisome blow during Sunday's game against the Chicago White Sox. Star slugger and pitcher Shohei Ohtani was removed from the game with an apparent injury ahead of his at-bat in the ninth inning. Second baseman Jack Mayfield was called upon to pinch-hit for Ohtani in the ninth as Ohtani's afternoon was ended early. According to James Fegan, Ohtani is dealing with right groin tightness, prompting the Angels to send Mayfield to bat in his stead.
This could certainly just be a precautionary move on the part of the Angels, who undoubtedly will go to every measure to ensure the well-being of their franchise cornerstone. Ohtani was able to play his usual DH role for the first eight innings of the game, making four plate appearances, but was replaced ahead of his final at-bat in the top of the ninth frame. Mayfield knocked in a run with an RBI single in his pinch-hit at-bat. On the night, Ohtani was 0-for-3 with 1 RBI and a walk.
The Angels will likely provide a further update on Ohtani's status in the near future, and fans will be holding their breath until then hoping for some positive news regarding the superstar 27-year-old. Ohtani is next scheduled to start in the Angels' series-opener against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, May 3. It remains to be seen if his exit from Sunday's game will impact his availability to throw in Fenway, though the team will certainly hope to have him at their disposal.
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