Ohtani removed from 1st game of doubleheader due to arm fatigue

Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani was removed from the first game of Wednesday's doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds as both a pitcher and designated hitter due to arm fatigue.

Ohtani left the mound with a trainer in the second inning of the game. He was then lifted for pinch-hitter Nolan Schanuel when his spot in the order came around in the third inning.

Manager Phil Nevin said postgame that Ohtani was still being evaluated by training staff, according to Sarah Valenzuela of the Los Angeles Times. Nevin added that his superstar is not in any pain, and his arm fatigue is similar to what he was dealing with earlier this season.

Ohtani is in the lineup for the second game of the doubleheader, batting second as the designated hitter.

The 29-year-old was making his first start on the mound since Aug. 9. He had skipped his last few turns in the rotation due to cramping in his hand, in addition to fatigue. Before that, Ohtani had some of his outings cut short in July because of fingernail issues and cramping.

Ohtani struck out two and walked one in his 1.1 innings of work as a pitcher Wednesday, before yielding to left-hander Tyler Anderson. In his lone at-bat of the game, he hit his major league-leading 44th home run of the season.