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Dodgers Pull Ohtani Over Knee Inflammation, Remain NL West Leaders

6/12/2026

Summary

Ohtani Out

Dodgers removed Shohei Ohtani from Thursday’s game versus Pittsburgh because of left knee inflammation.
He hit his 13th homer, added a single and two walks, reaching base in each appearance.
Ohtani’s season stats are 6-2, 1.06 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 73 strikeouts in 67.1 innings.
Manager Dave Roberts said the concern is low and that the team will handle him cautiously while the Dodgers lead the NL West by eight games.

Summary

Ohtani Injured

Ohtani’s left-knee problem, linked to a congenital bipartite patella, led to 2019 surgery with a 10-12-week recovery estimate.
The Dodgers placed pitcher Justin Wrobleski (right hamstring contusion) and Will Smith, Teoscar Hernández and Kiké Hernández (neck, hamstring and oblique strains) on injured list.
Analysts warn Ohtani’s downtime could reshape National League race, giving Milwaukee Brewers a chance while Atlanta Braves have just lost Ronald Acuña Jr. to injured list.

History

Historical Context

Since the Dodgers first lost a star pitcher in July 2021—when Clayton Kershaw, after 22 starts, went on the injured list with left-forearm inflammation—the team has repeatedly seen injuries reshape the NL West race. Today, the same pattern reappears as Shohei Ohtani is sidelined with left-knee inflammation, prompting roster shuffles and altering postseason odds.

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Ohtani Out

Dodgers removed Shohei Ohtani from Thursday’s game versus Pittsburgh because of left knee inflammation.
He hit his 13th homer, added a single and two walks, reaching base in each appearance.
Ohtani’s season stats are 6-2, 1.06 ERA, 0.84 WHIP, 73 strikeouts in 67.1 innings.
Manager Dave Roberts said the concern is low and that the team will handle him cautiously while the Dodgers lead the NL West by eight games.

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