Dodgers fans worried sick after ugly Shohei Ohtani HBP looked particularly concerning

Parity might be settling in across Major League Baseball, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are still the Los Angeles Dodgers. They already sit at the top of the National League, and the only thing that could change that is an injury to Shohei Ohtani. That is why Dodgers fans may have had an uneasy feeling watching Ohtani during Monday's victory over the New York Mets.

In the first inning of the game, Ohtani was plunked by Mets starting pitcher David Peterson. Ohtani was hit on the right shoulder and was in some noticeable discomfort. There isn't any love lost between Dodgers fans and the Mets, which is why there were loud boos aimed toward Peterson after the incident.

Ohtani remained in the game and consequently scored, but when he returned to the dugout, it was clear that he was still feeling some discomfort. At one point, it appeared that he went into the clubhouse with a trainer.

Being that it was Ohtani's throwing shoulder, there's always a level of concern. Fortunately, Dave Roberts quipped after the game that he was thankful Ohtani wasn't the Dodgers' scheduled pitcher for Tuesday's contest. The Dodgers confirmed that Ohtani had some bruising on the shoulder, and he was spotted wearing a bandage after the game.

As of now, the plan is for Ohtani to make his scheduled start on Wednesday. Though if the discomfort persists and LA's off-day on Thursday, it wouldn't be out of the question if they hold him back from pitching another day or two; especially given the conservative nature the Dodgers have managed his pitching schedule.

Losing Shohei Ohtani would've sparked fear among Dodgers fans

For as great as the Dodgers have been since Ohtani's arrival, they certainly are no strangers to injuries. Constant trips to the injured list decimated LA's pitching depth last season, and they started this season with Blake Snell, Tommy Edman, and Kiké Hernandez on the IL. Mookie Betts also landed on the IL shortly after the season started.

Of course, one of the reasons why the Dodgers can thrive despite those injuries is the fact that Ohtani remains the unicorn in MLB. The Dodgers rarely have had to think about what their lineup would look like without him in it, and that is why concern pops up every time there is an injury scare.

For now, it seems that it was just scare and Ohtani should be fine after being hit on Monday night.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow