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The 2026 MLB All-Star Game has taken another major hit. What was already shaping up to be an event missing several of baseball’s biggest stars will now be without the game’s most recognizable player. According to a report Friday afternoon, reigning National League MVP Shohei Ohtani will miss the All-Star Game because of inflammation in his knee. The Dodgers also announced that Ohtani will not pitch in Friday night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It’s disappointing news not only for the Dodgers but for Major League Baseball as a whole.
MORE: MLB Power Rankings: All 30 teams ranked ahead of the 2026 All-Star Game
Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a home run into the pool area against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth inning during the season home finale at Chase Field in Phoenix on Sept. 25, 2025.
Ohtani now joins a growing list of high-profile players who won’t be participating in this year’s Midsummer Classic.
With Jacob Misiorowski and Paul Skenes both scheduled to pitch on Sunday, neither will be available for the All-Star Game. Meanwhile, reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge remains on the injured list so of course he won’t be playing.
Now, the reigning NL MVP has also been added to that list. The All-Star Game is designed to showcase the sport’s brightest stars, and losing arguably the greatest player in baseball significantly changes the feel of the event.
May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
While missing the All-Star Game is disappointing, the Dodgers are undoubtedly more concerned about Ohtani’s long-term health. Knee inflammation can vary in severity, and until more information becomes available, it’s impossible to know whether this will simply require a few days of rest or lead to a longer absence.
For a Dodgers team with World Series aspirations, any extended stint on the injured list for Ohtani would be a devastating blow. Los Angeles has built its championship hopes around having its superstar healthy down the stretch, making this situation one to monitor closely.
Regardless of how quickly Ohtani returns, his absence will leave a noticeable void in Philadelphia. Fans attend the All-Star Game to watch the game’s biggest names share the field, and few players draw more attention than Ohtani. His ability to dominate as both a hitter and a pitcher has made him one of the most unique talents the sport has ever seen.
While the All-Star Game will still feature plenty of elite players, it simply won’t feel the same without Ohtani taking part. Baseball can only hope the injury proves to be minor and that the reigning National League MVP is back on the field shortly after the All-Star break.
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MORE: MLB Power Rankings: All 30 teams ranked ahead of the 2026 All-Star Game
Another Superstar Sidelined
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Los Angeles Dodgers Shohei Ohtani (17) hits a home run into the pool area against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth inning during the season home finale at Chase Field in Phoenix on Sept. 25, 2025.
Ohtani now joins a growing list of high-profile players who won’t be participating in this year’s Midsummer Classic.
With Jacob Misiorowski and Paul Skenes both scheduled to pitch on Sunday, neither will be available for the All-Star Game. Meanwhile, reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge remains on the injured list so of course he won’t be playing.
Now, the reigning NL MVP has also been added to that list. The All-Star Game is designed to showcase the sport’s brightest stars, and losing arguably the greatest player in baseball significantly changes the feel of the event.
Dodgers Hoping It’s Nothing Serious
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May 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
While missing the All-Star Game is disappointing, the Dodgers are undoubtedly more concerned about Ohtani’s long-term health. Knee inflammation can vary in severity, and until more information becomes available, it’s impossible to know whether this will simply require a few days of rest or lead to a longer absence.
For a Dodgers team with World Series aspirations, any extended stint on the injured list for Ohtani would be a devastating blow. Los Angeles has built its championship hopes around having its superstar healthy down the stretch, making this situation one to monitor closely.
A Different All-Star Game
Regardless of how quickly Ohtani returns, his absence will leave a noticeable void in Philadelphia. Fans attend the All-Star Game to watch the game’s biggest names share the field, and few players draw more attention than Ohtani. His ability to dominate as both a hitter and a pitcher has made him one of the most unique talents the sport has ever seen.
While the All-Star Game will still feature plenty of elite players, it simply won’t feel the same without Ohtani taking part. Baseball can only hope the injury proves to be minor and that the reigning National League MVP is back on the field shortly after the All-Star break.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
