Shohei Ohtani leaves start early due to blister on pitching hand

The Shohei Show did not last long on Tuesday night, and the Los Angeles Angels are saying a blister is the reason for that.

Ohtani departed his start against the Boston Red Sox at home on Tuesday after just two innings. Although his fastball velocity was great, he was not sharp as he struggled to locate his splitter and slider.

Ohtani surrendered a home run to leadoff batter Mookie Betts to start the game. He gave up four hits, two walks and three runs over his two innings while only striking out one. Considering he had only thrown 66 pitches, it was surprising to see him pulled so early, but the blister explains it.

On the Angels’ FOX Sports telecast, analyst Mark Gubicza noted that Ohtani’s blister began to develop late in spring training during a start in which the pitcher was mostly working on his splitter.

Ohtani’s ERA is now 3.60 as he’s surrendered three runs in two of his three starts.