The Los Angeles Dodgers continue benefiting from Shohei Ohtani’s impact on both sides of the game as he settles back into a rhythm on the mound.
That did not stop a recent health update from drawing attention.
Advertisement
Manager Dave Roberts addressed a minor issue involving Ohtani but made clear the organization does not view it as something that should affect him moving forward.
According to Dodger Talk reporter David Vassegh, Roberts revealed that Ohtani has been pitching through a blister on his right middle finger.
Roberts described the blister as very small and indicated the team does not consider it a concern.
“Dave Roberts said the blister on Shohei Ohtani’s right middle finger is really small and not a concern moving forward,” Vassegh posted on X.
The detail became more notable after Roberts shared that Ohtani had already been managing the issue during his previous starts rather than developing it immediately before Thursday’s game.
Advertisement
That means Ohtani pitched through the irritation during his recent appearances against the San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, and Arizona Diamondbacks and continued producing at a high level.
Roberts also dismissed the idea that the blister had been responsible for Ohtani’s recent command inconsistencies.
Over his previous three starts entering Wednesday, Ohtani had issued eight walks in 18 innings.
Roberts explained to reporters that when Ohtani’s command drifts, the issue tends to be mechanical rather than related to the blister itself.
Ohtani’s latest outing supported that view.
He delivered six scoreless innings against Arizona, surrendering only two hits with six strikeouts and a walk.
Advertisement
Offensively, he remained productive as well.
Across Tuesday and Wednesday, Ohtani collected five hits.
In Wednesday’s 7-0 victory, he finished with three hits, beginning with a leadoff infield single before adding singles to left field and right field later in the game.
Even while managing the issue on his throwing hand, Ohtani looked unaffected.
Jonathan Hernández, who joined the Dodgers on May 18 after spending time with the Philadelphia Phillies organization, followed him in relief.
Ohtani earned the win and improved to 6-2 on the season.
After the game, Ohtani evaluated his own performance with a measured approach.
Advertisement
Ohtani said the outing felt noticeably better than his previous start but added that he still wanted to review everything before deciding how well he actually pitched.
He also explained that his approach at the plate has felt more mechanical recently.
Rather than chasing power in every at-bat, Ohtani emphasized making adjustments and using different parts of the field while still maintaining the ability to change a game with one swing.
“Today was definitely a lot better than last time,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. “Hard to say if today was really good, just have to look back and review it, but I could tell for sure it was better than last time.”
Advertisement
For the Dodgers, the bigger takeaway was simple.
Their two-way star continues performing at an elite level, and the team does not appear concerned that a small blister will interrupt that momentum.
Don’t miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It’s completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!