Upton Homers And Ohtani Exits Early As Angels Beat Royals, 4-3

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ANAHEIM (AP) — Justin Upton homered for the third time in four games and the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-3 after Shohei Ohtani was removed early because of a blister on his pitching hand Wednesday night.

It was the second time this season Ohtani left a game due to a blister on his right middle finger.

The two-way rookie star from Japan warmed up to start the fifth inning, but catcher Martin Maldonado called for a trainer. Angels manager Mike Scioscia also went to the mound to check on Ohtani, who eventually walked back to the dugout.

Ohtani gave up one run on four hits and three walks, striking out four. He did not get a decision.

Ian Kinsler hit a two-run homer in the sixth off Scott Barlow (1-1) that landed in the Kansas City bullpen in left field for a 3-1 lead, helping the Angels to their sixth straight win over the Royals. Los Angeles can sweep the season series in Kansas City on July 25 in a game that was rescheduled because of snow in April.

Upton added a solo shot in the seventh to make it 4-1, and his 14th of the season proved decisive after Alex Gordon's two-run single in the eighth cut the margin to 4-3.

Cam Bedrosian (3-1) got the win after tossing a scoreless sixth inning. Blake Parker earned his fifth save, striking out Alcides Escobar to end it.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Angels: SS Andrelton Simmons was placed on the 10-day disabled list because of a right ankle sprain sustained when he slipped coming down the dugout steps prior to Tuesday's game. Zack Cozart replaced Simmons at shortstop, and Kaleb Cowart started at 3B after being recalled from Triple-A Salt Lake.

UP NEXT

Rangers: RHP Jason Hammel (2-5, 5.17 ERA) will start at Oakland on Thursday. Hammel got the win in each of his last two road starts, allowing one run in 12 1/3 innings.

Angels: RHP Garrett Richards (4-4, 3.25) pitches at Minnesota on Friday. Richards is 0-3 in his last five starts, including consecutive road losses at Toronto and the New York Yankees.