Shohei Ohtani to miss 2026 All-Star Game and upcoming start because of left‑knee irritation
Los Angeles Dodgers two‑way star Shohei Ohtani will sit out the 2026 MLB All‑Star Game in Philadelphia after doctors identified persistent irritation in his left knee. The injury also forced the club to cancel his scheduled Friday pitching start against the Arizona Diamondbacks, though he will stay in the lineup as a designated hitter for the remainder of the series.
The Dodgers plan to treat the knee with a fluid‑drainage procedure and four days of rest during the All‑Star break, hoping the recovery will keep Ohtani healthy for the second half of the season and the team's pursuit of a third consecutive World Series title. Manager Dave Roberts said the team will err on the side of caution, noting that the knee issue may be linked to Ohtani’s pitching mechanics.
Despite the setback, Ohtani continues to excel offensively, batting around .29 with 20‑22 home runs, 56‑58 RBIs and a .952 OPS, while his pitching record stands at 8‑2 with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts. He also reached his 350th combined Japan‑U.S. career home run, cementing his place among baseball’s elite as the Dodgers rely on his performance for their three‑peat bid.