Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani will miss the MLB All-Star Game after continued irritation in his left knee forced the team to scratch him from his scheduled pitching start on Friday.
Ohtani will remain in the lineup as the Dodgers' designated hitter for this weekend's series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but the team is taking a cautious approach to manage the knee before the second half of the season.
The left knee has been an ongoing issue since Ohtani exited a June 11 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates because of irritation. It is the same knee that underwent surgery in September 2019 to address a congenital condition known as bipartite patella, and he has continued to manage symptoms throughout the season.
Key Facts
Injury: Left knee irritation
Status: Scratched from scheduled pitching start
Availability: Will continue to serve as designated hitter
All-Star Game: Will not participate
Treatment: Knee drainage and likely injection
Surgery: Not expected
SIC Analysis
Ohtani is expected to undergo drainage of the left knee followed by an injection to reduce irritation and inflammation. Importantly, surgery is not anticipated, suggesting the Dodgers believe the symptoms can be managed conservatively.
The organization said Ohtani will undergo "interventions on his knee to put him in the best position for the second half of the season," reinforcing that the focus is on preserving his health for the stretch run rather than risking additional irritation during the All-Star break.
Bottom Line
Shohei Ohtani's knee irritation is significant enough to keep him out of the MLB All-Star Game and off the mound this weekend, but not severe enough to require surgery. With drainage and an injection planned, the expectation is that Ohtani will use the All-Star break to recover and be in a stronger position for the second half of the season.
