Ohtani Leaves Start With Hip Cramps, Dodgers Lose

Shohei Ohtani exited his seventh pitching start for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fourth inning against the Cincinnati Reds due to right hip cramping on a hot, humid night, a move described as precautionary by the team. After throwing six consecutive balls, including two wild pitches, Ohtani was checked by trainers and manager Dave Roberts before leaving the mound but remained in the game as designated hitter. The Dodgers confirmed the issue was only cramps and unrelated to his previous elbow injury. Ohtani allowed two earned runs on five hits and struck out four in just over three innings. The Dodgers ultimately lost 5-2 after the Reds scored three runs in the eighth inning. The incident underscores Los Angeles' need for bullpen reinforcements as they continue to manage Ohtani's pitching workload and pursue a championship.