Ohtani Faces Rare Test of Resilience

Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers' ace, is approaching a rare assignment at Target Field on Wednesday, June 25, 2026, where he will aim to reset after a recent dip in performance. This upcoming start marks a departure from his otherwise dominant 2026 season. After a strong initial 10 starts where he surrendered minimal earned runs, Ohtani has allowed eight runs, seven earned, over his last two outings.

The challenges began on June 10 against the Pirates, where he gave up three earned runs and battled his pitch count. His subsequent start on June 17 against the Rays saw a season-high four earned runs in a single inning. These performances have been compounded by physical discomfort. Ohtani pitched through residual soreness from left knee inflammation, potentially affecting his mechanics, while also aggravating a blister on his right middle finger during his last start.

This Wednesday's game also features a unique pitching matchup. Ohtani is scheduled to face Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan. Ryan was originally slated to pitch on Tuesday but was delayed due to illness, pushing his start to coincide with Ohtani's. This marks the first career encounter between the two as starting pitchers, though Ohtani has faced Ryan as a hitter five times previously, recording one hit and two RBIs.