Shohei Ohtani has blister, but Dodgers confident its a non-issue

PHOENIX –– Shohei Ohtani’s sub-1.00 ERA so far this season is even more impressive than it initially appeared.Turns out, the two-way star has been nursing a small blister on the inside of his right middle finger.The good news: The blister does not appear to be much of an issue.In a scoreless six-inning start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday night, Ohtani was seen picking at his finger during the outing.A close-up photo of his hand later emerged from when he was sitting in the dugout.However, manager Dave Roberts said he “didn’t hear too much about it after the game” and “don’t expect it to affect him going forward.”“He’s dealt with it for the last couple starts,” Roberts said.

“Thomas [Albert, the team’s head trainer] just kind of gives me information on how he’s feeling.And every time I’ve asked, it’s been a non-issue.”Asked specifically if the blister was to blame for Ohtani’s recently inconsistent command –– he had walked eight total batters in his three previous starts before Wednesday, when he issued just one free pass –– Roberts again downplayed its impact.“I don’t think so,” Roberts said.

“When his command has been off, I think it’s a bigger thing than just a blister.Because it’s a small blister, it’s small.

That’s just when his mechanics are out of whack.”Despite all that, Ohtani has continued his dominant start to the year on the mound, returning to full-time pitching duties with a nearly historic 0.74 ERA through his first 10 starts.“He’s the best player that’s ever walked this earth,” catcher Will Smith said after Wednesday’s game.Ohtani was out of the Dodgers’ lineup for Thursday’s series finale against the Dbacks, getting the kind of scheduled day off that might become more common the days following his pitching starts.“Just the overall body soreness and fatigue is something that, if we can manage that, it kind of gives us a chance to get through the next day...