Story perspectives

Ohtani Skips All-Star, Set as DH vs Yankees

7/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Shohei Ohtani had a knee-draining procedure on July 12, causing him to miss the All-Star Game despite leading fan votes.
The Dodgers will use Ohtani as designated hitter for the July 15–17 series against the New York Yankees.
Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani’s health for the October postseason is the priority and his rotation spot is undecided.
He is batting .293 with 22 homers and apologized for missing the All-Star Game.

History

Historical Context

In 2004, the MLB All-Star Game was robbed of its marquee slugger Barry Bonds after a knee sprain forced his withdrawal. Bonds, then with the San Francisco Giants, had hit 45 home runs and led the National League with a .362 slugging percentage before the injury. Similarly, Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani missed the 2024 All-Star Game after a July 12 knee-draining procedure, despite topping fan voting and holding a .293 average with 22 homers. These high-profile absences force teams to reshuffle lineups and prioritize postseason health, influencing roster decisions for clubs such as the Dodgers and Giants.

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Story summary

Shohei Ohtani had a knee-draining procedure on July 12, causing him to miss the All-Star Game despite leading fan votes.
The Dodgers will use Ohtani as designated hitter for the July 15–17 series against the New York Yankees.
Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani’s health for the October postseason is the priority and his rotation spot is undecided.
He is batting .293 with 22 homers and apologized for missing the All-Star Game.

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