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Ohtani Skips Phillies Start, Knee Irritation Delays Return

7/20/2026

33 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Ohtani Out

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani will miss start vs Phillies because of left knee irritation after an Orthovisc injection on July 12.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the issue is not day-to-day and Ohtani’s return could be some time, stressing caution over gains.
Ohtani stays in the lineup as DH, batting .289 with 22 homers, 58 RBIs and .942 OPS.
Dodgers (62-36) will use Emmet Sheehan and starters while awaiting Blake Snell’s rehab.

Summary

Yamamoto Starts

Yoshinobu Yamamoto will start the opener of the doubleheader against Yankees right-hander Cam Schlittler.
The postponed Saturday game forced a bullpen nightcap on Sunday, altering the Dodgers’ rotation and shifting Emmet Sheehan’s start to Monday.
Shohei Ohtani’s .289 average, 22 homers, .942 OPS and 154 wRC+ keep him a top MVP candidate despite his pitching hiatus, while Blake Snell advances in his rehab assignment.

History

Historical Context

In 2001, after a July 2000 trade from Philadelphia, right-hander Curt Schilling helped the fourth-year Arizona Diamondbacks beat the New York Yankees in a seven-game World Series. He posted a 1–0 record, 1.69 ERA and 26 strikeouts, sharing the MVP with Randy Johnson. The win showed how MLB teams depend on elite pitching depth to offset injuries.

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Ohtani Out

Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani will miss start vs Phillies because of left knee irritation after an Orthovisc injection on July 12.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the issue is not day-to-day and Ohtani’s return could be some time, stressing caution over gains.
Ohtani stays in the lineup as DH, batting .289 with 22 homers, 58 RBIs and .942 OPS.
Dodgers (62-36) will use Emmet Sheehan and starters while awaiting Blake Snell’s rehab.

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