Shohei Ohtani has noticeable bruising on his right back and is set to pitch against the Nationals tomorrow despite the injury.

Dodgers' two-way star Shohei Ohtani is expected to make his second start of the season tomorrow against the visiting Washington Nationals. However, his injury has raised concerns. Local reporters observed on the 22nd that after the game, Ohtani emerged from the shower with visible bruising on the muscles of his right shoulder (latissimus dorsi).

On the 20th, Ohtani was hit on the right shoulder by a pitch traveling at 160 km/h during a game against the Padres, causing significant swelling and bruising. After the game, he left the field with a bandage provided by Japanese trainer Kosuke Nakajima. Since the incident, his batting performance has also been affected; on the 22nd, he went 0 for 4 against the Nationals. Manager Dave Roberts commented, "Ohtani is indeed struggling."

Despite this, Ohtani still participated in pitching practice today before the game, including long throws of about 40 meters and a high-intensity bullpen session. Ohtani made his first appearance in 663 days on June 17, pitching only one inning, allowing two hits and one run before leaving the game. There is significant concern about whether the bruising from the hit will affect his pitching on the 23rd.