Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani left Tuesday’s game against the San Diego Padres with a blistered right middle finger. Here’s what you need to know:
Ohtani said after the game that he is unlikely to play in the upcoming All-Star Game. He said his blister is connected to a cracked fingernail that pulled him out of a June 27 game against the White Sox.
Ohtani isn’t sure how the blister will affect his at-bats over the next few days.
The 29-year-old pitched five innings before exiting Tuesday, giving up five earned runs on seven hits. The Padres defeated the Angels 8–5 to make Los Angeles’ record 45–43.
Instant Analysis of Athletics:
What this means for sick angels
The wider angle of this is that angels are in a bad place. Whether or not Ohtani misses any games, the team has fallen significantly in the standings. Four games after clinching a wild-card spot a week ago today. Ohtani is not fully healthy. Anthony Renton said he expects to go to IL. Mike Trout went to IL. Brandon Drury went to IL. A few others were injured. Things are very messy for this team right now. And it’s against the backdrop of the fast-approaching trade deadline.
