Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani’s Knee Inflammation Ends His Thursday Appearance, Prompting Health Concerns for the Dodgers
6/12/2026, 9:00:18 AM
Game-Day Exit at PNC Park
On Thursday night, June 10, 2026, at PNC Park, Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani was pulled in the top of the seventh after a pinch-hitter took his spot. He had gone 2-for-2 with a solo home run (13th), a single, two walks, one RBI and two runs. The Dodgers held on for an 8-6 win. Starter Justin Wrobleski left in the fifth with a hamstring contusion after a line-drive collision with Bryan Reynolds.
Official Statements & Responses
The Dodgers posted on X that Ohtani left with left-knee inflammation and Wrobleski with a hamstring contusion. Manager Dave Roberts said the move was precautionary, noting Ohtani reported “a little something behind his knee” and they removed him rather than risk further injury.
Data & Statistics
Through June 10, Ohtani is batting .305/.421/.543 with 13 homers, 40 RBIs and a .964 OPS. As a pitcher he is 6-2 with a 1.06 ERA, 73 strikeouts, 21 walks in 67 2/3 innings. The Dodgers are 43-25, games ahead of Padres. NL leaders are the Braves (45-23) and the Brewers (41-25).
Why It Matters: Impact on the Dodgers and the NL
Ohtani fuels both the Dodgers’ lineup and rotation. Analysts warn extended absence could shift the NL balance, giving the Brewers a chance to overtake the Braves and exposing the Dodgers to a tighter race despite their division lead. The club’s World Series hopes depend on his health.
Criticism & Opposition
Analyst Nelson Espinal noted Ohtani’s bipartite patella—a kneecap of two unfused bones—treated in 2019 with a 10-12-week recovery. He warned condition can cause inflammation and said the Dodgers are “playing things very safe.” Critics say caution underscores risk of overtaxing a two-way player and could limit his availability in stretch run.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on when Ohtani first felt knee discomfort; the team gave no exact timing and Ohtani was not available to media. Roberts mentioned a “little something behind his knee,” while other outlets linked the inflammation to his bipartite patella. No clear return timeline has been set, leaving his status for upcoming series uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We tried to be smart about it and get him out of the game,” Roberts said. “He told the trainer that he felt a little something behind his knee and I just didn’t see any sense in risking it.” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “He was given a 10-12 week timeline,” — Nelson Espinal, Dodgers analyst
- “Ohtani has dealt with bipartite patella since birth, which is a condition that means his knee is made up of two bones instead of one since they did not fuse together.” — Nelson Espinal, Dodgers analyst
- “Dodgers Justin Wrobleski left the game with a right hamstring contusion and Shohei Ohtani left the game with left knee inflammation,” — Los Angeles Dodgers, official X post
What’s Next
Dodgers head to Chicago for White Sox series Friday, hoping Ohtani will be cleared.
