Dodgers' Ohtani Scratched from Start Due to Knee Pain, Will Miss All-Star Game

Major League Baseball (MLB) superstar Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers has withdrawn from his scheduled start and will not participate in the All-Star Game due to pain in his left knee.

The Dodgers announced the injury news ahead of their home game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, on July 11 (KST), stating that right-handed pitcher Kyle Hurt would replace Ohtani as the starter for the day.

The team added, "Ohtani plans to focus on knee treatment during the All-Star break to prepare for the second half of the season," and confirmed that "he will not participate in the All-Star Game."

Ohtani, who plays as a two-way player, will continue to appear only as a batter for the remainder of the first half of the season.

He was included in the starting lineup as the leadoff hitter and designated hitter for today's game.

MLB.com reported, "Ohtani has reportedly been playing through left knee pain since at least June 12," adding, "In addition to the knee pain, he has dealt with several injuries, including a right biceps injury and a blister on his right hand, but has performed his duties as both a pitcher and a hitter."

This season, Ohtani has made 14 starts as a pitcher, recording 8 wins and 2 losses with a 1.79 ERA. As a hitter, he has posted a .290 batting average with 20 home runs, 56 RBIs, and a 0.939 OPS (on-base plus slugging) in 89 games.

Furthermore, Ohtani was selected as the starter for the National League designated hitter position after receiving the most votes in both leagues during the All-Star fan voting. He was set to make his sixth career All-Star appearance but will now miss the event due to his injury.

The All-Star Game will be held on July 15 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the home stadium of the Philadelphia Phillies.


(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.