Full Breakdown
Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks: Final Pre-All-Star Series Highlights Ohtani Scratch and Diamondbacks Roster Shake-Up
7/11/2026, 12:33:03 PM
Core Event
On Friday, July 10, 2026, the Los Angeles Dodgers opened a three-game weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. The contest marked the Dodgers’ last home games before the MLB All-Star break and the final start for Shohei Ohtani before the break. The team announced that Ohtani would not pitch because of lingering left-knee irritation and would instead serve as the designated hitter for the weekend. Right-hander Kyle Hurt received the start for Los Angeles, while left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (7-3, 2.25 ERA) started for Arizona.
Background & Context
The Dodgers entered the series with a 61-33 record, the only NL West club with a winning record and a 14.5-game lead over the second-place Diamondbacks (46-47). They are the only National League team to have reached 60 wins in the first half of the 2026 season. The Diamondbacks, tied for second with the San Diego Padres, have struggled offensively, prompting a roster move that coincided with the series.
Key Figures
- Shohei Ohtani – Dodgers star pitcher/DH, battling knee inflammation.
- Kyle Hurt – Dodgers right-hander making a bullpen-game start (4.55 ERA).
- Eduardo Rodriguez – Diamondbacks left-hander enjoying a career-best season, first All-Star selection.
- Pavin Smith – Diamondbacks first baseman/DH, designated for assignment after a .141 batting average.
- Torey Lovullo – Diamondbacks manager, commenting on Smith’s performance and the DFA decision.
Data & Statistics
- Dodgers: 61-33, leading NL West; Ohtani’s season line 8-2, 1.79 ERA; Ohtani 1-0 with a 1.06 ERA in three career starts vs. Arizona.
- Diamondbacks: 46-47, tied for second; Rodriguez 7-3, 2.25 ERA (career-best); Smith 11-for-78 (.141) with a .428 OPS this season, far below the league first-base average OPS of .780.
- Hurt’s season: 4.55 ERA in 29.2 innings, FIP 3.55.
Official Statements & Responses
The Dodgers released a statement confirming Ohtani’s scratch: “Los Angeles Dodger Shohei Ohtani will not make his scheduled start on the mound this evening against the Arizona Diamondbacks due to continued irritation in his left knee.” The team added that Ohtani will remain the designated hitter for the remainder of the weekend and will undergo further treatment after the series.
The Diamondbacks announced the DFA of Pavin Smith, noting that the move was driven by his prolonged offensive slump and the need to promote top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt from Triple-A Reno.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts have highlighted Ohtani’s recent decline, noting three consecutive starts in which he allowed three, two, and four runs, a stark contrast to his early-season dominance. The decision to scratch him from the mound reflects concerns about his durability ahead of the All-Star Game.
Smith’s performance has drawn criticism from fans and media; his .141 average and .428 OPS rank among the worst first-base production in MLB history for a position player, prompting the DFA despite his status as a former top draft pick.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Ohtani’s availability: CBSSports reported that he had been cleared to pitch and would start, while Sports Illustrated and the Dodgers’ own announcement state he was scratched due to knee irritation. No definitive medical update beyond the team’s statement has been provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Los Angeles Dodger Shohei Ohtani will not make his scheduled start on the mound this evening against the Arizona Diamondbacks due to continued irritation in his left knee,” — Dodgers organization announcement
- “I thought I was never going to go to one because I'm usually better in the second half. I'm just really happy about it.” — Eduardo Rodriguez, media interview
- “I've been saying all along that Pavin can hit. I'm quoted as saying that. When I say that, I'm not saying it so the media knows or the public knows,” — Torey Lovullo, interview on Arizona Sports 98.7
- “He started to build up a little bit of confidence, but he just couldn't get over the hump this year, and unfortunately, this decision had to be made,” — Torey Lovullo, comments on Smith’s DFA
