​The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Friday that Shohei Ohtani will not start on the mound for the team’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, opting instead to remain in the designated hitter role for the remainder of the weekend. The decision comes as Ohtani continues to cope with irritation in his left knee, a condition that flared up during a road trip against the Pittsburgh Pirates and caused him to miss a game against the Chicago White Sox. Although he has since returned to action, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has indicated that Ohtani’s workload will be managed based on how the knee feels from day to day.
In the latest update from the Dodgers, it was noted that Ohtani will not take the mound this evening versus Arizona and will serve purely as a designated hitter through the series. After the Diamondbacks series, the team plans to pursue knee interventions designed to position him for a strong second half, rather than risking further strain before the All-Star break. Consequently, Ohtani will also be unable to travel to Philadelphia to participate in the 2026 All-Star Game, a development that will allow him to rest and recover with a longer break between his next pitching start and the All-Star Game.
To cover the vacancy on the mound, the Dodgers will deploy an unplanned bullpen game. The club is fresh off a rest day, which should provide depth and enough arms to cover innings as needed. There is even potential for the Dodgers to bring in additional relievers before the game, if necessary, in order to maximize their chances of success without using Ohtani as a pitcher.
This shift in Ohtani’s role comes as the Dodgers maintain a comfortable lead in the National League West, giving them flexibility to protect their star player’s health while still pursuing wins. While the absence of one of baseball’s top pitchers is a blow to the rotation, the team will still benefit from Ohtani’s bat at the plate, contributing to offensive firepower as they navigate the final stretch before the All-Star break.
In summary, the Dodgers have opted to rest Ohtani from pitching to manage his left knee irritation, keeping him at DH through the Diamondbacks series and postponing his All-Star Game appearance. The plan emphasizes long-term health and productivity for the second half of the season, with bullpen depth ready to absorb the mound duties in Ohtani’s stead. As the Dodgers continue to ride the lead in their division, they hope to strike a balance between rest for their star and continued competitive performance on the field.