Baseball fans received unexpected news: Shohei Ohtani will not participate in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game due to persistent discomfort in his left knee. The Los Angeles Dodgers confirmed that the Japanese superstar will continue serving as the designated hitter through the weekend before undergoing treatment on his knee in hopes of returning at full strength for the second half of the season.
Ohtani’s absence is a significant loss for the Midsummer Classic, where he was expected to be one of the event’s biggest attractions. The Dodgers chose to prioritize his recovery to prevent the injury from worsening and affecting the remainder of the season.
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Will Ohtani be sidelined for a long time?
For now, no. The Dodgers are optimistic that the treatment will allow him to return in top condition after the All-Star break, although they will continue monitoring his progress before clearing him for a full return to pitching.
