Shohei Ohtani will miss Tuesday's All-Star Game in Philadelphia because of ongoing left knee discomfort, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced Friday. The two-way star was also scratched from his scheduled start against the Arizona Diamondbacks that night but will continue as designated hitter for the weekend series at Dodger Stadium.
The Dodgers said Ohtani will undergo interventions on his knee during the All-Star break to prepare for the second half of the season. He has dealt with the knee issue since at least June 11 and was not expected to pitch in the Midsummer Classic anyway.
Ohtani, the National League's leading vote-getter at designated hitter, has posted a .290/.405/.534 slash line with 20 home runs this season. On the mound he holds an 8-2 record and 1.79 ERA despite other ailments including a right biceps tweak and a blister on his right hand.
Right-hander Kyle Hurt will start for the Dodgers on Friday in Ohtani's place. Kyle Schwarber of the host Phillies is a candidate to replace Ohtani in the National League lineup.
