Ohtani removed from start vs. Reds due to cramping

Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani left his start against the Cincinnati Reds with a trainer in the fourth inning.

The Dodgers said Ohtani ended his night on the mound after experiencing cramping and tightness in his lower body, according to ESPN's Alden González. He didn't sustain an arm injury. Ohtani also remained in the game as the Dodgers' designated hitter and took his sixth-inning at-bat as scheduled.

Following the Dodgers' 5-2 loss, Ohtani told reporters that he began experiencing hip tightness during the first inning, according to David Vassegh of AM 570 Los Angeles. The 31-year-old added that he expects to make his next scheduled start.

L.A. removed Ohtani in the middle of Spencer Steer's at-bat after he spoke with trainers and manager Dave Roberts. Ohtani allowed a leadoff single to Noelvi Marte to start the inning and then threw six straight balls, including two wild pitches, before departing.

Anthony Banda replaced Ohtani on the mound.

Wednesday marked Ohtani's seventh start with the Dodgers since completing his rehab from elbow surgery. The outing was his first time pitching into the fourth inning and surpassing 50 pitches since returning to the mound.

Ohtani allowed two runs, five hits, and two walks while striking out four over his three-plus innings of work. He tossed a perfect third inning before his issues began in the fourth.

The reigning NL MVP owns a 2.40 ERA with 17 strikeouts and five walks in 15 innings this season.