Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani will return to the batter's box for the first game of the second half of the season following a procedure on his left knee.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts met with reporters on July 15 (KST) at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the 2026 MLB All-Star Game is being held. He revealed that Ohtani underwent a procedure to drain joint fluid to alleviate pain and irritation in his knee.
"He did not receive an injection, and he will take a few days of rest before the start of the second half," Roberts explained.
As a result, Ohtani is expected to appear at least as a designated hitter in the first game of the second half, which kicks off with a three-game road series against the New York Yankees this weekend.
Roberts, who is managing the National League team for the All-Star Game, confirmed before the game, "Ohtani will be in the lineup" for the series against the Yankees.
Ohtani, who is successfully performing as a two-way player this season, recorded a .293 batting average with 22 home runs and 58 RBIs as a hitter during the first half. As a pitcher, he made 14 starts, pitching 85⅓ innings with an 8-2 record, a 1.79 ERA, and 95 strikeouts.
Ohtani, a four-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), had declined to participate in the All-Star Game held on July 14 to focus on his knee recovery.
Whether he will take the mound during the three-game series against the Yankees remains undecided.
Ohtani's most recent pitching appearance was on July 4, and manager Roberts remained cautious regarding his first pitching schedule of the second half, stating, "It has not been decided yet."
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)