The Los Angeles Dodgers confirmed that Shohei Ohtani will not play in the MLB All-Star Game, citing left knee irritation. In a team statement shared with reporters, the Dodgers said Ohtani was scratched from his start on Friday and will be the club’s designated hitter through the All-Star break while he receives planned care. Fox News first reported the update.
Dodgers confirm Shohei Ohtani will miss the All-Star Game
The Dodgers framed the move as protective, saying Ohtani was scratched from his start and will remain the club’s designated hitter until the break. The team said the decision is aimed at preserving him for the second half of the season.
By the numbers
- Batting: .290 average, .939 OPS, 20 home runs and 56 RBI this season.
- Pitching: 1.79 ERA — the second-lowest mark among pitchers with 80-plus innings.
- League standing: His .939 OPS ranks among the league’s top marks this year (reported as the seventh-best).
- Recent power: 99 combined home runs across 2024–25 and a 1.025 OPS over that span.
- Workload: The only player with 300-plus plate appearances and 40-plus innings in six separate seasons.
Stats as reported by Fox News and the Dodgers’ team statement.
What the Dodgers say about knee interventions
The club said it will “have some interventions on his knee to put him in the best position for the second half of the season.” The team confirmed the plan but did not provide details on the type of interventions, specific procedures, timeline or expected recovery duration.
The Dodgers emphasized the effort is proactive management to protect Ohtani’s availability for the second half. Team officials said pitching decisions will take his long-term availability into account.
Shohei Ohtani’s season so far: hitting and pitching by the numbers
Ohtani continues to deliver two-way value. At the plate he carries a .290 batting average with 20 home runs and 56 RBIs, producing a .939 OPS that ranks among MLB’s best this season. On the mound, his 1.79 ERA stands out, placing him near the top of qualified starters by ERA.
Those figures underline the roster challenge for the Dodgers: balancing Ohtani’s value as a starter against preserving his hitting contributions. The team indicated workload and role decisions will be shaped by how his knee responds to the planned interventions.
Impact on the All-Star Game and the Midsummer Classic lineup
Ohtani’s absence removes a headline player from the Midsummer Classic. The event also was without Aaron Judge, who will miss the All-Star Game because of a fractured rib. League officials and managers will adjust rosters and batting orders accordingly.
While the All-Star Game loses marquee names, the Dodgers framed the decision as preserving Ohtani’s availability for the season’s remainder rather than risking further injury midseason.
What to watch after the break
Key items to monitor when play resumes include Ohtani’s reported interventions, public updates from the Dodgers, and any shifts in his pitching workload. Expect the club to weigh pitch counts, spot starts and DH-only days when setting his schedule.
How the team manages those choices will determine whether Ohtani resumes a regular two-way role, leans more on hitting duties, or follows a mixed plan designed to extend his availability into September.
Background and context
Ohtani has dealt with knee concerns earlier in the season, and the Dodgers have taken a cautious approach with their two-way star. He returned from elbow surgery in 2025 and has been a focal point of roster and workload planning because of his rare combination of pitching and hitting production.
Frequently asked questions
What happened with Shohei Ohtani?
The Dodgers scratched Ohtani from his Friday start and announced he will miss the MLB All-Star Game due to left knee irritation. The team said he will be the club’s designated hitter through the break while receiving planned interventions on his knee.
Why does Shohei Ohtani matter?
Ohtani’s rare two-way role affects the Dodgers’ rotation and lineup construction. His availability shapes pitching plans, lineup depth and the team’s outlook in the National League.
What happens next?
The Dodgers will carry out the planned knee interventions and provide updates as details are available. Management will decide on his pitching workload and DH usage based on his response and the club’s goal of maximizing his availability for the second half.
Source: Fox News
