Shohei Ohtani left Thursday's (June 11) game early with left knee and hamstring inflammation, raising concerns about the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar's availability heading into a series against the Chicago White Sox.

Ohtani departed in the seventh inning of the Dodgers' 8-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Despite the injury scare, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts downplayed the situation and said he is optimistic Ohtani will be ready to play Friday (June 12) when Los Angeles opens a three-game series against the White Sox at Rate Field in Chicago.

Roberts said Ohtani would attempt to throw and take additional swings Friday to see how his body responds. "We tried to be smart about it and get him out of the game," Roberts told reporters. "He told the trainer that he felt a little something behind his knee, and I just didn't see any sense in risking it."

Ohtani experienced pain in the left knee and hamstring area following a stolen-base attempt on what turned out to be a foul ball. Roberts described the decision to remove him as purely precautionary. Santiago Espinal entered as pinch-hitter and remained in the game as designated hitter.

Before exiting, Ohtani had an outstanding night at the plate. He hit a 391-foot solo homer — his 13th of the season — off Pirates starter Mitch Keller in the third inning, then singled and walked twice, reaching base all four times he stepped to the plate. Ohtani was not made available to the media after the game.

Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman said seeing Ohtani leave the game was unsettling. "He's only the greatest player in the world," Freeman told reporters. The veteran first baseman also praised the team for gutting out the tough three-game series in Pittsburgh. "It was a very hot and very humid three days," Freeman said. "It was a tough series, and I'm just glad we won it."

The injury to Ohtani was not the only health concern for Los Angeles on Thursday. Starting pitcher Justin Wrobleski exited in the fifth inning with a right hamstring contusion after colliding with Pirates left fielder Bryan Reynolds at first base. A line drive off Reynolds' bat caromed off Wrobleski toward Freeman, and Wrobleski was hurt when he raced to cover first and collided with Reynolds while taking Freeman's toss. Wrobleski said he expects a quick recovery. "I'll get some treatment on it and I'll be fine," Wrobleski said. "I don't think it's a big deal. Just a little frustrating." Roberts said he is optimistic Wrobleski will be ready for his next scheduled start.

Jack Dreyer (3-1) earned the win with one scoreless inning, and Tanner Scott recorded a four-out save — his seventh of the season — to close it out. Andy Pages and Ohtani each had two hits, an RBI, and a run scored, while Kyle Tucker drove in two runs with a single.

The Dodgers improved to 44-25 on the season, giving them baseball's second-best record behind the National League East-leading Atlanta Braves (45-23). They hold an eight-game lead on the San Diego Padres (35-32) in the National League West.

Ohtani's status for Friday's (June 12) 7:40 p.m. ET first pitch against Chicago remains to be seen, pending how he responds to pregame workouts.

Bill Handel

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