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Ohtani Remains DH, Out of Rotation Amid Knee Irritation

7/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Shohei Ohtani will remain only as designated hitter after left-knee irritation ends his pitching role.
He will miss his July 22 start versus the Philadelphia Phillies and stays out of the rotation indefinitely.
Ohtani got an Orthovisc injection on July 12 after catch-related discomfort and has not pitched since July 3.
The Dodgers will keep a six-man rotation with bullpen games and spot starters, leading the NL West by 12 games.

History

Historical Context

The American League voted 8–4 on Jan 11 1973 to trial a designated hitter, and Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees became the first DH on April 6, 1973. The rule boosted league offense and endured, prompting MLB to adopt a universal DH in 2022. Today, Shohei Ohtani’s shift to a full-time hitter for the Dodgers echoes that historic split of pitching and hitting.

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Story summary

Shohei Ohtani will remain only as designated hitter after left-knee irritation ends his pitching role.
He will miss his July 22 start versus the Philadelphia Phillies and stays out of the rotation indefinitely.
Ohtani got an Orthovisc injection on July 12 after catch-related discomfort and has not pitched since July 3.
The Dodgers will keep a six-man rotation with bullpen games and spot starters, leading the NL West by 12 games.

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