Shohei Ohtani scratched from start, will miss All-Star Game

Shohei Ohtani was scratched from his scheduled pitching start on Friday, the Los Angeles Angels’ star two‑way player, after a medical evaluation confirmed continued irritation in his left knee. The decision came after the team’s coaching staff noted that Ohtani’s knee was not responding to the usual rest and rehabilitation protocol, and the injury could jeopardize his effectiveness on the mound.

Ohtani’s left‑knee discomfort has been a lingering issue for the Angels, who have been monitoring the condition since the previous season. With the pitcher’s health in question, the Angels have moved to a relief pitcher for the game and are evaluating the possibility of placing Ohtani on the injured list if the irritation does not improve. The team’s front office is also reviewing the roster to ensure adequate pitching depth for the remainder of the series.

The Angels will continue to monitor Ohtani’s recovery progress and will keep the public updated on any changes to his status. In the meantime, the team has adjusted its rotation to accommodate the absence of its dual‑role star, aiming to maintain competitive performance while prioritizing Ohtani’s long‑term health.