Full Breakdown
Shohei Ohtani’s Pitching Return Delayed by Lingering Knee Irritation
7/20/2026, 12:40:42 PM
Core Event
Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that two-way star Shohei Ohtani will not make his scheduled start on Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies because of persistent irritation in his left knee. The club described the situation as “not a day-to-day thing,” leaving Ohtani’s next pitching appearance undefined.
Background & Context
Ohtani’s knee first flared during the June 11 game in Pittsburgh, prompting an early exit. After a lubricating Orthovisc injection on July 12, he skipped the All-Star Game in Philadelphia and has not pitched since a July 3 outing versus the San Diego Padres, where he threw 110 pitches over six innings. The Dodgers, holding the best major-league record (62-36) and a 12-game NL West lead, have opted to prioritize long-term health over short-term rotation needs.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
Roberts emphasized a cautious approach, noting that the knee issue “only [affects] when he pitches.” He said the team will give Ohtani “as much time as possible” and that the organization will not force a return until he feels “100 %.” While Ohtani will continue as the designated hitter, the Dodgers have not decided his lineup status for the second game of the doubleheader. The club also highlighted the flexibility provided by upcoming off-days and the gradual rehab of left-hander Blake Snell, who is working toward a five-inning, 75-pitch threshold in Triple-A.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting viewpoints or criticism were reported in the available sources.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources consistently describe the knee irritation, the July 12 injection, and the indefinite pitching timeline. No contradictory information was identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Kind of where we're at, right now, how we're proceeding, I would say that it's going to be some time,” — Dave Roberts, manager, Los Angeles Dodgers
- “And I say that it's not going to be a day-to-day thing.” — Dave Roberts
- “I think for us, it’s more like we’ve done many times over, erring on the side of caution,” — Dave Roberts
- “When he does swing the bat, it's the back knee versus the land knee where you're kind of driving off of it to create torque when you pitch. So there is no feeling of any sensation [when he hits] or any reason why we feel like we've got to stop hitting.” — Shohei Ohtani
- “I think it’s more driven by the organization saying, hey, if you’re not 100% right, we don’t have to do this.” — Dave Roberts
What’s Next
Roberts moved Emmet Sheehan’s start to Monday and plans Justin Wrobleski for Tuesday while Blake Snell continues his rehab assignments. Ohtani will remain in the lineup as a designated hitter, with his pitching return dependent on the knee’s response to continued rest and treatment.
