How Shohei Ohtani 'pinch hit' during game Dodgers' two-way star started as pitcher

Conspiracy theorists will have to focus elsewhere. (They have plenty of room on the right.)

By rule, Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani did nothing nefarious when he “pinch hit” in the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday night.

Users on social media did not see it that way, however

“I’m sorry but this is absolutely ridiculous, how is this allowed?” Unbiased Mets Fan wrote.

MLB Scoring Changes answered: “This is allowed because he isn’t pinch hitting. By rule, the DH bats in place of the pitcher, so it is perfectly legal to remove the DH and allow the pitcher to bat for himself, which is what this is. The Dodgers forfeited the DH once Ohtani entered the game to hit. This has been the rule for 50+ years.”

As the starting pitcher, Ohtani (8-2) suffered a bloody blister and yielded a season-worst four earned runs, but earned the victory as the Dodgers edged the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-4.

Officially relieved by Edgardo Henriquez, Ohtani batted during the sixth inning and grounded out, ending the frame.

The managerial tactic, affirmed by MLB Rule 5.11(a), allowed Ohtani to take his turn in the batter’s box. The move forced the Dodgers to forfeit their use of the designated hitter.

For any brewing conspiracy theorists, there’s no there there. Relax and go out for more pizza.