Baseball-Dodgers' Ohtani scratched from Friday start, will miss All-Star Game with knee irritation

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani has been removed from his scheduled start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday due to ongoing irritation in his left knee. The team announced the decision, confirming that the star two-way player will also be absent from the upcoming MLB All-Star Game.

Ohtani, a four-time MVP, is expected to continue playing as the designated hitter for the Dodgers throughout the remainder of their weekend series. The team plans for him to undergo "interventions" on his knee following the series against the Diamondbacks. These procedures are intended to prepare him for the second half of the season.

As a result of this decision, Ohtani will not travel to Philadelphia to participate in the All-Star Game. The 32-year-old's knee issue has led to his withdrawal from the mid-season classic, impacting the Dodgers' pitching rotation and the All-Star festivities.