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Dodgers opt bullpen game, rest Ohtani, skip All-Star

7/1/2026

38 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ohtani Skips Start

The Los Angeles Dodgers said Shohei Ohtani will not start on July 1, 2026, and will use a bullpen game.
Manager Dave Roberts said the move gives Ohtani rest because his knee is not fully healthy.
He will pitch Friday versus San Diego Padres, stay the designated hitter in the series against the Athletics, and is unlikely to appear in All-Star Game despite earning an automatic DH spot after 3.3 million Phase 1 votes.

Summary

Ohtani Faces Setbacks

Ohtani pitches with a month-long blister on his hand and a knee injury from June 11 that isn’t fully healed.
After ten starts with Will Smith, Ohtani’s last three have been with Dalton Rushing, whose battery had a public disagreement and a misplay.
Roberts says Rushing will stay unless the Dodgers choose Chuckie Robinson, with a two-day rest before Friday expected to boost their chemistry before facing San Diego and Arizona.

History

Historical Context

After Grady Little was dismissed following the 2003 ALCS loss, Boston hired Terry Francona, who in August 2004 used a five-run, seven-inning bullpen (Lowe, Madrigal, Embree, Wakefield) to blank the Yankees 5–0. That strategy foreshadowed the reliever-centric Game 7 win that completed the historic comeback from a 0-3 ALCS deficit, shaping modern depth-first pitching approaches.

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Ohtani Skips Start

The Los Angeles Dodgers said Shohei Ohtani will not start on July 1, 2026, and will use a bullpen game.
Manager Dave Roberts said the move gives Ohtani rest because his knee is not fully healthy.
He will pitch Friday versus San Diego Padres, stay the designated hitter in the series against the Athletics, and is unlikely to appear in All-Star Game despite earning an automatic DH spot after 3.3 million Phase 1 votes.

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