Dodgers hold off Pirates as Ohtani exits with knee inflammation

PITTSBURGH — The Dodgers accomplished their primary goal Thursday afternoon at PNC Park.

Behind another productive day from Shohei Ohtani and timely offense throughout the lineup, the Dodgers held off the Pirates for an 8-6 victory to improve to 44-25 on the season. The win sends the Dodgers to Chicago with momentum as they prepare to open a three-game series against the White Sox on Friday.

Yet by the time the final out was recorded, the clubhouse's attention had shifted towards two injury situations that could have much larger implications moving forward.

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) circles the bases on a solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the third inning at PNC Park.

The two-way superstar was unexpectedly removed from the game in the seventh inning with what the Dodgers described as left knee inflammation. The knee is particularly noteworthy because it is the same knee Ohtani underwent surgery on in September 2019.

Ohtani had just thrown 102 pitches over 6.2 innings on Wednesday night, using that left leg as his landing leg throughout the outing.

Every other starting pitcher gets a recovery day after throwing more than 100 pitches. Ohtani doesn't have that luxury because he also happens to be one of baseball's most dangerous hitters.

Dave Roberts has often kept Ohtani out of the lineup the day after he pitches in an effort to keep him off his feet and maximize recovery. This time, Roberts elected to play him, and the Dodgers are now hoping the inflammation proves to be nothing more than temporary soreness.