​LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 03: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers reacts at bat during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Dodgers are riding high on their final homestand of the first half, taking a commanding 3-0 series lead over the San Diego Padres after a 3-0 win on Saturday. Ohtani did not play in that game, as the two-way superstar was sidelined after striking out nine in a no-decision on Friday. He is expected to return to the starting lineup on Sunday, though his injury concerns could jeopardize his final scheduled start of the regular season on the mound, according to Sonja Chen of MLB.com. “We don’t need to decide today, tomorrow, or the next day, so we have time,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “We’re reading how he feels and reacting accordingly.” Freddie Freeman has been one of the Dodgers’ hottest hitters since mid-May, driving in two runs on Saturday and belting his 15th home run of the season—a milestone he didn’t reach last year until August. Freeman spoke with Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA about earning another All-Star nod, as he was chosen as the NL’s starting first baseman and secured his 10th career All-Star selection prior to Saturday’s game. “I want to say thank you to the fans for voting me in. It’s special to head to Philadelphia for the All-Star Game. I’ll have my family in the picture, and I know my boys are happy, and I think my girl is, too, even if she doesn’t fully understand yet. It’s going to be incredible. Ten All-Star selections— I couldn’t ask for a more meaningful moment.” Yoshinobu Yamamoto answered the call with another strong outing, shutting down the Padres over seven scoreless innings and tying a career high with 10 strikeouts on Saturday. Yamamoto spoke with Watson after the win about the honor of representing his team in Philadelphia on July 14. “It’s been such an honor to be selected to the All-Star team, and I was there last year. This year feels even more meaningful and joyful.”