Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani’s Knee Procedure and His Role in the Dodgers-Yankees Weekend Series
7/15/2026, 2:08:27 AM
Core Event
On July 12, 2026, Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani had fluid drained from his left knee to relieve irritation that had persisted since mid-June. The outpatient procedure was performed after the Dodgers’ final game of the first half of the season against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The treatment forced Ohtani to miss the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia but, according to manager Dave Roberts, the Japanese superstar will be available at least as a designated hitter for the three-game weekend series that opens the second half of the season at Yankee Stadium on Friday, July 19.
Background & Context
Ohtani’s knee issues date back to a 2019 surgery that corrected a congenital bipartite patella. The left-knee irritation resurfaced in June, prompting the Dodgers to limit his pitching workload and eventually pull him from a scheduled start on Friday, July 7. The team’s medical staff opted for a minimally invasive drainage rather than full-scale surgery, aiming to preserve Ohtani’s two-way contributions as the Dodgers chase a third consecutive World Series title.
Data & Statistics
- Batting average: .293 (22 HR, 58 RBI) – reported by multiple outlets.
- Pitching record: 8-2, 1.79 ERA, 95 strikeouts in 85 2/3 innings.
- Season-to-date OPS: .952 (per AP).
- Dodgers record entering the Yankees series: 61-34 (best in MLB).
Official Statements & Responses
Roberts confirmed that Ohtani’s knee was “drained” and that no injection was administered. He emphasized the priority of health over immediate performance, noting that the decision aligns with the organization’s “goal is October” philosophy. Ohtani himself said his “every intention is to use the off days to make sure I’m in a good place to be able to be in the rotation.” The player also issued a public apology to fans for missing the All-Star Game.
Criticism & Opposition
Fans expressed disappointment that a marquee player will be absent from the midsummer classic, a sentiment echoed in media coverage of the All-Star roster change that named St. Louis Cardinals DH Iván Herrera as Ohtani’s replacement. No formal criticism from league officials or opposing teams was recorded.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Batting line: Some sources list a .290–.291 average with 21 HR and 57 RBI, while others report .293 with 22 HR and 58 RBI.
- Injection: Early reports (e.g., ESPN) said Ohtani did not receive an injection; later Dodgers Nation coverage mentioned a planned injection after drainage.
- Future pitching slot: Roberts said the rotation spot post-break is “too early to know,” yet a Dodgers analyst suggested Ohtani could start on July 22 versus the Philadelphia Phillies. The exact rotation plan remains unsettled.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s going to be in the lineup,” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers manager
- “The goal is to be able to throw according to regular schedule,” — Shohei Ohtani
- “I think they voted for me because they wanted to see me play and I feel bad that I can’t. I regret that I have to drop out after being voted in.” — Shohei Ohtani
- “Nothing is going to fall in front of being healthy for October,” — Dave Roberts
- “So if there’s a chance that we could kind of be proactive and get it drained and do whatever we need to do to try to manage it, along with the rest for the All-Star break, we were going to do that.” — Dave Roberts
What’s Next
The Dodgers begin their East Coast road trip on Friday, July 19, with the first game of the three-game series at Yankee Stadium. The club will monitor Ohtani’s knee throughout the series and decide later in the week whether he will take the mound in the rotation, with a potential start projected for Wednesday, July 22, against the Philadelphia Phillies. The organization has indicated that any further intervention will be guided by the player’s recovery progress and the overarching goal of having Ohtani healthy for the postseason.
