The Los Angeles Angels sent two-way player Shohei Ohtani for an MRI after he experienced discomfort in his pitching arm during Sunday's abbreviated start, according to Alden Gonzalez of ESPN.
Results of the MRI aren't yet known.
Ohtani's second start on the mound in 2020 began better than the first, but things quickly unraveled.
The right-hander was pulled in the second inning of Sunday's game against the Houston Astros. Though he didn't allow a hit, Ohtani issued five walks in the frame and allowed a pair of runs before manager Joe Maddon made the call to the bullpen.
After loading the bases with none out, Ohtani very nearly danced out of trouble when he struck out Kyle Tucker and Jack Mayfield. He then walked Dustin Garneau on what looked like a missed call.
Shohei Ohtani should’ve been out of this inning pic.twitter.com/znjj5pyu6Y
— Brent Maguire (@bmags94) August 2, 2020
It was a disappointing outing for the two-way player working his way back from Tommy John surgery, especially after he managed to retire the side on eight pitches in the first inning.
Ohtani saw improved velocity on his fastball - topping out at 97.1 mph - but it dipped below 90 just before he was removed after throwing 42 pitches in the second inning.
Well, at least Ohtani put to rest concerns about being hurt, since he was consistently at 95-97 with his FB today.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) August 2, 2020
However, he walked 5 in the 2nd inning and didn't get out of the inning. After walking in two runs and throwing 42 (!!) pitches in the inning, he was pulled.
He fared worse in his first start when he allowed five runs on three hits and three walks without recording an out. He owns a 37.80 ERA over his two appearances.
Things have gone slightly better at the dish. While he owns a .148 batting average, Ohtani has hit a pair of home runs in 28 plate appearances.
