Ohtani scratched from start with knee inflammation, still homers; Dodgers manager impressed

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani was a late scratch from his scheduled pitching start on Friday due to left knee inflammation. He has also withdrawn from this year's All-Star Game to focus on treatment for the knee. However, Ohtani still entered the game as a hitter and launched a solo home run in the first inning. The Dodgers ultimately lost the game to the Diamondbacks, 3-9.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commended Ohtani's ability to continue contributing offensively despite his injury. "He's really taking care of his body. Of course, he's limited in his running, but he's doing everything he can to help the club offensively," Roberts said after the game.

Ohtani hit his 21st home run of the season in the first inning, a solo shot to center-left field. He went 1-for-4 in the game with two strikeouts, leaving his batting average at .290 and his OPS at .943. When asked by American media after the game how he could hit a home run in his first at-bat despite needing treatment and withdrawing from the All-Star Game, Ohtani explained that pitching puts more strain on his left knee than hitting.

Ohtani acknowledged that his left knee condition fluctuates, experiencing inflammation intermittently. He has been playing through discomfort for the past few weeks, managing the issue while continuing to perform. Despite the challenges, his commitment to contributing to the team remains evident.

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He's really taking care of his body. Of course, he's limited in his running, but he's doing everything he can to help the club offensively.