The Los Angeles Dodgers have been more cold than hot lately. Before their series with the Rockies, they had full control of the NL West after sweeping the Padres. However, on Wednesday, they dropped the game to Colorado, falling behind 2–1 in the series. This time, it wasn’t the bullpen that let them down—it was the bats.
“It looked like the Dodgers might have momentum after scoring 11 runs yesterday. Well, that didn’t last. The team didn’t leave the hotel today as they couldn’t score against a dude with a 15 ERA. They’ll look to avoid the series loss tomorrow against the worst team in baseball,” Dodgers writer Blake Harris posted.

Shohei Ohtani was on the mound for the Dodgers, as he continues to work his way back to peak form as a pitcher. The Rockies managed to score five runs off him. Heading into the game, Ohtani already knew he’d be getting Thursday off.

“Dodgers Dave Roberts said he spoke with Shohei Ohtani and he will get Thursday off. Day game after pitching Wednesday night. Ohtani’s only previous games missed this season were two he skipped on paternity leave in April,” Dodgers beat writer Bill Plunkett wrote.
Ohtani exited the game in the fifth inning due to lingering effects from a comebacker he took off the leg in the fourth.

“The Dodgers’ medical staff ran out to check on their superstar as he limped back to the mound. After a brief conversation, Ohtani stayed in the game and finished out the inning. His day on the hill was over after the fourth, though. When done on the mound, he stayed in the game as L.A.’s designated hitter and walked in the fifth, but the Dodgers pinch hit Alex Call for Ohtani in his following at-bat,” SI’s Blake Silverman wrote. “There’s currently no word on whether the late removal is due to a potential injury to his leg following the come-backer from Arcia. Hopefully the fact that he continued pitching and then took an at-bat is a positive sign.”