Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has elected to skip his scheduled pitching start on Friday and will not participate in the upcoming All-Star Game, prioritizing his health and the team's postseason ambitions over individual accolades.
Ohtani will undergo treatment for irritation in his left knee, which includes draining fluid and receiving a pain-relieving injection. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed that Ohtani's decision was not a surprise, stating that the player's primary goal has always been to be healthy for October, the month when the MLB postseason takes place.
This decision comes as Ohtani is in contention for the National League Cy Young Award, with a 1.79 earned-run average. However, his candidacy is complicated by his innings pitched. Ohtani has thrown 85 2/3 innings, falling short of the qualifying standard for an ERA title. Missing even one start could significantly impact his chances of winning the award. Other top contenders, such as Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski and Philadelphia's Christopher Sanchez, have pitched considerably more innings.
Roberts emphasized that Ohtani's focus remains on the World Series. "He’s always said the goal is October," Roberts said. "He’s had the Cy Young in mind, and understandably so, but nothing is gonna come in front of being healthy for October."
The Dodgers currently hold a substantial 14 1/2-game lead in the National League West and boast the most wins in Major League Baseball, positioning them for home-field advantage throughout the postseason. This strong team standing allows Ohtani the flexibility to manage his health proactively.
This approach contrasts with his final season with the Los Angeles Angels in 2023. Before the All-Star break that year, Ohtani pitched through discomfort in his pitching hand, an issue that was later followed by an elbow injury requiring Tommy John surgery. At that time, Ohtani declined an MRI, prioritizing his team's playoff chances despite being two months away from free agency. His decision then was seen as a selfless act to keep the Angels' remote postseason hopes alive.
With the Dodgers, Ohtani is in a different situation. He can rely on his teammates and management to support his decision to address his knee. The treatment is described as preventative, aimed at ensuring he is in optimal condition for the latter half of the season and the playoffs. Ohtani is expected to return to pitching after the All-Star break, with his exact return date to be determined, potentially starting a series against the New York Yankees on July 17 or a subsequent series in Philadelphia.