Ohtani Sits Out Start, Skips All-Star Game Due to Left Knee Irritation

The Los Angeles Dodgers held Shohei Ohtani out of his scheduled pitching start due to left knee irritation, managing the two-way star's workload as the team approaches the All-Star break. Ohtani will continue serving as the designated hitter through the weekend series, but the club plans to give him some time off the mound for diagnostic work and treatment on the problematic knee. The decision to sideline him from All-Star Game competition further underscores the Dodgers' caution regarding his long-term availability.

Prioritizing the second half. By skipping his start now, Los Angeles is essentially buying time to address the knee irritation before the all-star break arrives. Rather than push through potential discomfort, the club is opting for preventative interventions to ensure Ohtani is fresh and healthy for the second half of the season. This approach reflects the Dodgers' understanding that Ohtani is their cornerstone player and too valuable to risk on a routine start or exhibition game.

DH duties continue. While Ohtani won't take the mound, he remains in the lineup as designated hitter, suggesting the knee issue doesn't prevent him from hitting. This distinction matters—the Dodgers are being selective about which duties they're limiting rather than shutting him down entirely. The separation between pitching and hitting workload gives the knee time to settle while maintaining offensive production.

All-Star implications. Missing the All-Star Game removes one of the season's marquee events from Ohtani's schedule, but the decision prioritizes his health over the prestige and fun of midsummer competition. For a franchise with postseason aspirations, that calculation is simple: Ohtani healthy in October matters far more than an exhibition in July.

Betting considerations. Ohtani's absence as a pitcher immediately lowers the Dodgers' projected total innings and strikeout rates for upcoming games. Prop bettors focused on his K totals will see adjusted lines reflecting the missed appearances. The exact nature of the knee irritation—and whether it carries long-term risk—remains unknown, so monitor the team's injury updates closely before locking in totals or team performance forecasts for the second half.

Source: original report ↗