Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani to skip next pitching start due to knee issue

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani will not take his scheduled pitching start due to discomfort in his left knee, and he is not expected to return to the team's starting rotation anytime soon.

The two-way player received a knee lubricant injection before the All-Star break and was slated to pitch on July 22 against the Philadelphia Phillies. However, Ohtani reported that his knee was not at 100% during throwing sessions over the weekend. Consequently, he and the Dodgers decided against even bullpen sessions.

“

I would say it will take some time, this won't be day-to-day progress.

Ohtani, a four-time MLB MVP, has not pitched since July 3, and his return to the mound remains uncertain. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated that it will "take some time" and "won't be day-to-day progress." Roberts reiterated that Ohtani experiences no discomfort while hitting.

"We're just trying to do our best to make sure things go smoothly," Roberts said. "As he said, and we feel, when he's pitching, the rotational torque on that landing leg is what's causing the knee to hurt, so hitting is not an issue. We'll give him as much rest as possible."

“

We're just trying to do our best to make sure things go smoothly. As he said, and we feel, when he's pitching, the rotational torque on that landing leg is what's causing the knee to hurt, so hitting is not an issue. We'll give him as much rest as possible.