Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ohtani Exits Early; Dodgers Rally with Grand Slam

7/4/2026

47 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ohtani Exits

Shohei Ohtani left Friday’s game against the San Diego Padres early after feeling something in his right biceps.
He had thrown 110 pitches over six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with nine strikeouts before being removed as DH.
The Dodgers rallied from a 6-0 deficit to win 12-7, highlighted by Teoscar Hernández’s go-ahead grand slam that gave them a 4-3 lead and a 13-game NL West advantage.

Summary

Ohtani Blames Catcher

Ohtani's ERA rose from 0.74 with catcher Will Smith to 4.34 with catcher Dalton Rushing.
Rushing, a 25-year-old catcher, homered against the Padres and received a celebratory pat from Ohtani.
After the Twins clash, Rushing offered a partial apology and pledged to adjust his pitch-calling.
Manager Dave Roberts said a catcher must serve the pitcher and expects Rushing to improve.

History

Historical Context

In 1973 the American League adopted the designated hitter, and Ron Blomberg became the first DH on April 6, 1973; the rule helped raise league scoring, with runs per game up 12% in 1974. The legacy of that change fuels catcher-pitcher strategy, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts adjusts catcher assignments for Shohei Ohtani, whose ERA jumps from 0.74 with Will Smith to 4.34 with Dalton Rushing.

1 of 3

Ohtani Exits

Shohei Ohtani left Friday’s game against the San Diego Padres early after feeling something in his right biceps.
He had thrown 110 pitches over six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits with nine strikeouts before being removed as DH.
The Dodgers rallied from a 6-0 deficit to win 12-7, highlighted by Teoscar Hernández’s go-ahead grand slam that gave them a 4-3 lead and a 13-game NL West advantage.

1 / 3