Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani’s Biceps Issue Prompts Dodgers to Rethink Two-Way Workload Ahead of All-Star Break
7/5/2026, 12:12:16 PM
Game-Day Incident and Immediate Response
On July 3, 2026, Shohei Ohtani threw a season-high 110 pitches in a six-inning start against the San Diego Padres. He allowed three runs on seven hits, struck out nine and kept the deficit manageable. In the bottom of the sixth, a swing caused tightness in his right biceps. After a ground-out in the seventh, manager Dave Roberts substituted pinch-hitter Miguel Rojas and removed Ohtani from the lineup. Roberts announced Ohtani would sit on Saturday to “fully recover” and receive treatment.
Background: Two-Way Role and Recent Schedule Adjustments
Ohtani has been the Dodgers’ designated hitter and a regular starter in a six-man rotation. The club moved his start from Wednesday to Friday to provide extra rest before a 13-game stretch. The adjustment also reduced his chances of pitching in the All-Star Game, which is scheduled for July 14 in Philadelphia. He entered the season with a 0.74 ERA through his first ten starts and a 1.79 ERA over 14 starts (95 K, 26 BB in 85 2/3 IP). His batting line sits at .288 with 18 HR and 50 RBI.
Performance Data and Injury Details
- Pitching: 110 pitches, 9 K, 3 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 1.79 ERA (season).
- Recent four starts: 14 runs (12 ER) in 24.2 IP, indicating a decline from early-season dominance.
- Biceps: Ohtani reported the same location of discomfort he felt “a couple months ago,” which resolved quickly then.
- Dodgers record: 58-31, leading the NL West by 14 games.
Official Statements from Dodgers Management and Ohtani
Roberts emphasized the need to “read and react” to Ohtani’s body, noting his history of quick healing. He said skipping the next scheduled start “should be on the table.” Ohtani, speaking through an interpreter, described the biceps issue as “precautionary” and expressed confidence that it would subside as before. He also reiterated his desire to play whenever healthy.
Criticism and Concerns Over Workload and Award Prospects
Analysts highlighted that Ohtani’s recent performance dip and limited innings make a Cy Young bid unlikely. The New York Post argued that the Dodgers must “load-manage” him to preserve postseason value, suggesting that even a minor injury could jeopardize his dual-role effectiveness.
Conflicting Reports on Severity and Return Timeline
Some outlets (e.g., ESPN, Field Level Media) portrayed the biceps tightness as minor and expected a quick return, while others (e.g., New York Post, Field Level Media) labeled the development “concerning” and questioned whether Ohtani would be available for Saturday or his July 10 start in Arizona. Additional injuries—left-knee soreness and a blister on his right-hand middle finger—add uncertainty.
Implications for All-Star Game and Cy Young Candidacy
If Ohtani skips his July 10 start, he would have only three days of rest before the All-Star Game, making a pitching appearance improbable. His diminished recent command further reduces his likelihood of being selected for the NL pitching staff, though he remains the starting designated hitter after leading fan voting.
What’s Next for Ohtani and the Dodgers
The Dodgers will evaluate Ohtani’s condition on Sunday, the series finale against the Padres, before deciding on his July 10 start. The All-Star Game on July 14 remains pending, with Roberts indicating the decision will be made after further health assessment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s a quick healer and finds a way to get back.” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “It's the same location that I felt a couple months ago and it went away relatively quickly,” — Shohei Ohtani, player (via interpreter)
- “I can always play, and my desire is to always play,” — Shohei Ohtani, player
- “I think it should be on the table,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “Shohei hasn't had his best stuff recently and that's the truth,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
