Shohei Ohtani unlikely to pitch in MLB All-Star Game with Dodgers' pitching rotation shuffle
A shuffle in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching rotation likely means that Shohei Ohtani will not pitch in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
Ohtani was originally scheduled to start on Wednesday versus the Athletics, but was pushed to Friday’s matchup with the San Diego Padres instead. His next start would then probably be on July 10 versus the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The All-Star Game is scheduled for July 14, which would only give Ohtani three days of rest. Perhaps he could make a brief appearance, throwing what would essentially be his bullpen session.
But between Ohtani dealing with inflammation in his left knee and already being slated to play in the showcase as the designated hitter, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts — who will also manage the National League All-Star team — will probably keep him off the mound.
“If there’s any opportunity to give him some extra rest, we’re going to try to take advantage of it,” Roberts said, via the California Post’s Jack Harris.
Ohtani’s 1.58 ERA would rank him second among MLB starting pitchers, except he has not thrown enough innings to qualify among the league leaders. Going into Friday’s start, Ohtani has thrown 79 2/3 innings. MLB rules mandate that a pitcher must throw as many innings as games that his team has played. The Dodgers have played 88 games thus far.
In 13 starts, Ohtani also has an 8-2 record and 86 strikeouts.
The four-time MVP (two awards in the AL, two in the NL) will certainly be in Philadelphia for the MLB All-Star Game. Ohtani received the most votes in Phase 1 of fan voting, guaranteeing him an automatic spot on the roster. With Phase 2 of the vote now closed, the full All-Star starters and rosters will be announced on Saturday, July 4.
Ohtani is putting up his usual MVP-caliber numbers with a slash line of .291/.406/.529 with 18 home runs, 15 doubles and 50 RBI. His .406 on-base percentage leads the NL and his .935 OPS is tied with the Phillies’ Kyle Schwarber for second in the league.
