Shohei Ohtani (right hamstring contusion) could return to the Dodgers’ lineup on Friday

DENVER — Japanese star player Shohei Ohtani suffered a right thigh contusion during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 8-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday at Coors Field. However, manager Dave Roberts was optimistic about his return for Friday, when the Dodgers begin a crucial series against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, after Thursday’s day off.

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In the fourth inning, Ohtani was hit by a 93.7 mph pitch hit by Venezuelan Orlando Arcia, which impacted the side of his right leg. Although the Japanese player remained in the game after being checked by Roberts and the medical staff, he was replaced in the eighth inning by pinch hitter Alex Call. In his three plate appearances, Ohtani went 2-1, with a double and a walk.

“That’s my intention,” Ohtani declared, through his interpreter Will Ireton, about his possible return. “I will make sure to receive my treatment and that the goal is to return to normal. I was hit in the same place earlier this season, but right now it feels pretty good. I will do everything in my power so that it doesn’t affect me from now on.”

Roberts explained that the decision to withdraw it was due to the stiffness and inflammation that the affected area was beginning to present:

“It was in the thigh, fortunately, and not in the knee,” commented the manager. “But it hit him hard. I felt that as the game went on, it was going to get tougher.”

Ohtani’s opening was complicated: he allowed five runs and nine hits —a career high— in four innings. Before this outing, the Japanese player had only given up that many hits once, on September 10, 2021, when he was pitching for the Angels against the Astros.

Shohei Ohtani took a come backer off the leg and had to limp it off but stayed in the game pic.twitter.com/TvouRzHyHk

— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 21, 2025

Ohtani acknowledged that his performance was not as expected:

“Very regrettable. I put the team in a bad situation. It was an unfortunate exit. I wish I could have done better,” he affirmed.

The defeat leaves the Dodgers just 1.0 game ahead of the Padres in the National League West, after San Diego’s victory over the Giants the same night. With a new direct confrontation ahead, Ohtani’s return on Friday could be key to maintaining the divisional lead.