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Ohtani Skips Pitching, Remains DH Amid Knee Issues

7/26/2026

42 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Shohei Ohtani has not pitched since July 3, 2026 because of left-knee discomfort.
Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani regressed after a bullpen in Philadelphia and will not pitch until confident.
His knee sidelined him on June 11 and flared after a July 12, 2026 lubricant injection before the All-Star break.
Ohtani stays as DH, hitting .286 with 22 homers and 61 RBIs, and could return in August though Roberts gave no firm date.

History

Historical Context

Since Clayton Kershaw’s first career Triple Crown in 2011, the Dodgers have repeatedly lost their ace to injury—forearm inflammation in July 2021, a shoulder setback in 2023, and a toe bone spur in 2024—prompting league-wide reviews of pitcher health protocols. The 2026 sidelining of star Shohei Ohtani, now a Dodger, reinforces that same trend.

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Story summary

Shohei Ohtani has not pitched since July 3, 2026 because of left-knee discomfort.
Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani regressed after a bullpen in Philadelphia and will not pitch until confident.
His knee sidelined him on June 11 and flared after a July 12, 2026 lubricant injection before the All-Star break.
Ohtani stays as DH, hitting .286 with 22 homers and 61 RBIs, and could return in August though Roberts gave no firm date.

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