Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Dodgers Shut Down Ohtani; Target Detroit’s Cy-Young Skubal

7/31/2026

47 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Dodgers have shut down Shohei Ohtani from pitching indefinitely because of a sore left knee and right-biceps injury.
He went 3-for-4 with a leadoff homer (23rd, 10th leadoff) and three RBIs on July 28, 2026, while hitting .250/.307/.500 in July.
Because Ohtani cannot pitch, the Dodgers are targeting Detroit ace Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, before the July 31 deadline.

History

Historical Context

In July 2004, Boston Red Sox GM Theo Epstein responded to Pedro Martínez’s elbow injury by trading shortstop Nomar Garciaparra and outfielder Matt Murton for Orlando Cabrera, Doug Mientkiewicz, and acquiring center-fielder Dave Roberts. The moves sparked a 22-of-25-game surge, clinching the AL wild-card and, after overturning the 86-year “Curse of the Bambino,” winning the World Series.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Dodgers have shut down Shohei Ohtani from pitching indefinitely because of a sore left knee and right-biceps injury.
He went 3-for-4 with a leadoff homer (23rd, 10th leadoff) and three RBIs on July 28, 2026, while hitting .250/.307/.500 in July.
Because Ohtani cannot pitch, the Dodgers are targeting Detroit ace Tarik Skubal, a two-time Cy Young winner, before the July 31 deadline.

1 / 2