Andrelton Simmons, Shohei Ohtani get hurt on back-to-back plays
The Los Angeles Angels suffered an awful stretch during the eighth inning of Monday night’s 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins when Shohei Ohtani and Andrelton Simmons got hurt on consecutive plays.
First came Ohtani, who led off the bottom of the eighth and struck out by going around on an 0-2 pitch that actually hit him.
Here’s what happened with Shohei Ohtani. pic.twitter.com/yG4UlNGvtO
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) May 21, 2019
Ohtani remained in the game because as the DH, there was no need to replace him.
The next batter was Simmons, who chopped an 0-1 pitch to the right side. He injured his ankle as he lunged towards the bag.
Now, here’s what happened with Andrelton Simmons. pic.twitter.com/kVhjwEKjYi
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) May 21, 2019
Another angle of the Andrelton Simmons injury. pic.twitter.com/bOCEgujunK
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) May 21, 2019
The Angels are more concerned about the injury status of Simmons, who sprained his ankle. Manager Brad Ausmus said after the game that Ohtani was hit on the ring finger of his right hand.
Shohei Ohtani had his x-rays come back negative. He “should be fine,” Ausmus said. Ball hit him on the ring finger of his right hand.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) May 21, 2019
Neither player had fractures, but Simmons will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of his ankle injury.
Shohei Ohtani and Andrelton Simmons have no fractures. But Simmons has a sprain. An MRI tomorrow for Simmons.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) May 21, 2019
The four-time Gold Glover is likely looking at a longer absence than Ohtani. Simmons went 1-for-4 in the loss, while Ohtani was 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and a walk.
Simmons suffered a sprained ankle last year when he slipped going down the dugout steps.