Shohei Ohtani Withdraws From 2026 All‑Star Game After Left Knee Inflammation
Shohei Ohtani has withdrawn from the July 14, 2026 All‑Star Game because of inflammation in his left knee; the Dodgers say he will skip Philadelphia to focus on the second half.
Shohei Ohtani will not play in Major League Baseball’s All‑Star Game on July 14, 2026, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced on July 10, 2026 (July 11, 2026 Japan time). The club said inflammation in his left knee, stemming from an injury sustained on June 11, means Ohtani will not travel to Philadelphia and is withdrawing from the midsummer showcase. The decision comes days after Ohtani became the first Japanese player to reach 300 career major‑league home runs on July 7, 2026.
Dodgers announce Ohtani’s All‑Star withdrawal
The Dodgers issued a statement on July 10, 2026 saying the move was made so Ohtani could enter the second half of the season in better condition. The team confirmed he will not make the trip to Philadelphia for the All‑Star festivities and will be excused from All‑Star Game activities. The club framed the decision as precautionary and part of a plan to prioritize long‑term availability for the remainder of the season.
Left knee inflammation tied to June 11 injury
Team officials identified inflammation in Ohtani’s left knee as the medical concern prompting the withdrawal. According to the club, the knee issue is related to an injury Ohtani suffered on June 11, 2026 during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Medical staff have monitored the joint and adjusted his playing schedule as they weigh short‑term rest versus on‑field participation. The Dodgers underscored that managing Ohtani’s health is central to their approach for the stretch run.
Scheduled July 10 pitching start was shelved
Ohtani had been slated to start as the Dodgers’ pitcher on July 10, 2026 against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium, but the team removed him from that role. Instead, the Dodgers indicated he would not take the mound and that their pitching plans were being altered to accommodate his recovery. The club noted Ohtani was still expected to be available in a designated hitter role for upcoming games, though that plan depends on his progress and ongoing monitoring by trainers.
All‑Star selection and fan support
Ohtani had been selected as the National League’s starting designated hitter for the All‑Star Game after leading fan voting across both leagues. He received 3,341,257 votes in the initial fan ballot, the highest total among starters across the American and National Leagues. The breadth of support underscored Ohtani’s high profile and cross‑league appeal, but the Dodgers’ decision reflects a growing trend of clubs prioritizing player health over All‑Star appearances. League officials did not immediately announce whether a replacement would be named in his stead.
Recent milestones and context for the decision
Ohtani entered the week riding one of the most notable milestones of his career, hitting his 300th major‑league home run on July 7, 2026 — a first for a Japanese player in MLB history. That achievement came amid a two‑way workload that has made him both a centerpiece of the Dodgers’ lineup and a regular part of the rotation. Balancing hitting and pitching duties has long been a complex task for clubs, and the team’s current move reflects an effort to preserve Ohtani’s two‑way availability later in the season.
Implications for the Dodgers and the season ahead
The Dodgers will face roster and strategic decisions in the wake of Ohtani’s withdrawal, particularly regarding pitching rotation alignment and lineup construction. While the club has a deep roster, Ohtani’s unique combination of power hitting and starting pitching makes his availability materially significant for playoff aspirations. The organization emphasized that the decision was preventive and aimed at securing his contributions when the postseason arrives.
Ohtani’s withdrawal closes one chapter of a star‑studded first half and raises questions about how teams manage elite two‑way players moving forward. As the Dodgers continue to monitor his knee, they will weigh short‑term game plans against the long‑term goal of keeping him healthy and effective for the stretch run.
