Ohtani Misses Start, Skips All-Star Game With Left Knee Irritation as He Hits 21st Homer
Updated
Updated · MLB.com · Jul 11
Ohtani Misses Start, Skips All-Star Game With Left Knee Irritation as He Hits 21st Homer
3 articles · Updated · MLB.com · Jul 11
Summary
Friday’s scratch kept Shohei Ohtani off the mound against Arizona, and the Dodgers said he will have his left knee drained after Sunday to use the All-Star break for recovery.
Ohtani still served as DH in a 9-3 loss and led off with his 21st home run, though he said the knee affects pitching more than hitting and he jogged gingerly around the bases.
Dave Roberts said the club acted proactively after the knee flared over the past couple of weeks, adding that flying to Philadelphia could have worsened swelling and that Ohtani would have pitched if it were October.
The Dodgers expect the issue not to disrupt his second-half pitching plans, though his rotation slot after the break is undecided and Ohtani said he may adjust his mechanics to reduce stress on the knee.
The setback comes with Ohtani batting .290 with a .943 OPS and carrying an 8-2 record with a 1.79 ERA, but even one missed start could dent his Cy Young bid as Los Angeles prioritizes October.