Photo Credit: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
The Los Angeles Dodgers will be without Shohei Ohtani at next week’s MLB All-Star Game after the two-way superstar was scratched from his scheduled pitching start Friday because of continued irritation in his left knee.
The Dodgers announced the decision roughly six hours before Ohtani faced the Arizona Diamondbacks, adding that he will remain the team’s designated hitter for the remainder of the weekend series.
However, Ohtani will not travel to Philadelphia for the All-Star festivities and will instead undergo treatment on his knee during the break.
Dodgers Prioritize Ohtani’s Health for Second Half
In a statement, the Dodgers said Ohtani will have “some interventions” on his left knee to put him in the best position for the second half of the season.
According to reports, those treatments will likely include draining the knee and a pain-relieving injection.
The irritation stems from the same left knee that underwent surgery in September 2019 to correct a congenital condition known as bipartite patella. Ohtani first experienced discomfort during a June 11 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates and has managed the issue ever since.
Despite the lingering knee problem, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts previously said the injury was “not 100%” but remained playable.
Ohtani Continues MVP-Caliber Season
Ohtani has also dealt with a blister on his pitching hand and right biceps tightness this season, though both issues have since subsided.
The four-time MVP enters the All-Star break batting .290 with a .405 on-base percentage, 20 home runs, 56 RBIs and six stolen bases. On the mound, he owns an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 14 starts.
Earlier this week, Ohtani became the first Japanese-born player in MLB history to reach 300 career home runs.
Dodgers Turn to Bullpen Game
With Ohtani unavailable to pitch Friday, the Dodgers will use a bullpen game against the Diamondbacks.
The expectation remains that Ohtani will resume his two-way role after the All-Star break once his knee treatment is complete, giving the Los Angeles Dodgers hope that he can contribute throughout the stretch run.
