Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts placed some restrictions on superstar Shohei Ohtani ahead of the All-Star break.
While Ohtani is going to feature in the All-Star Game as the National league’s leading vote-getter, but will not pitch. Additionally, Roberts shut down the idea of him participating in the Home Run Derby.
“Don’t see him in the Home Run Derby,” Roberts said. “Don’t see him pitching. But I do see him taking an at-bat or two.”
Ohtani has only ever pitched in one All-Star Game, coming in 2021, and one Home Run Derby, which came in the same year. His next start falls on the Friday prior to the Midsummer Classic, meaning he wouldn’t have the time to recover before the start of the All-Star Game. Roberts stated he would prefer if Ohtani could rest for the entire week, but understands Ohtani’s popularity demands his presence.
“I would love it,” Roberts said when asked if he wanted Ohtani to rest for the entire break. “But I do think when you’re Shohei, he understands the responsibility he has. So I do think there’s a middle (ground) for what’s best for him, what potentially could be downside but also what’s best for the game.”
As MLB’s most popular and marketable player, an All-Star Game without Ohtani just wouldn’t feel right.
Why Are the Dodgers So Protective of Shohei Ohtani’s Fitness?
While the Dodgers are a well constructed team on their own, Ohtani is the most important player in the entirety of the league.
His status as a two-way player puts him in a league of his own in terms of load management, and the fact that he is among the best players in the world on both sides of the ball makes him incredibly valuable.
As a pitcher this year, Ohtani has a 1.79 ERA through 85.2 innings pitched, striking out 95 batters. His ERA mark would rank second in MLB among qualified pitchers, only behind the Milwaukee Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski.
With the bat, Ohtani has been his usual self in 2026. He has 20 homers on the season, tallying 56 RBIs while posting a .950 OPS—the second highest in the National league behind the recently qualified Juan Soto.
What do you think of Roberts’ decision to have Ohtani rest?
2 Responses
Baseball fans everywhere await that one time every year when they have the opportunity to watch the greatest players in the game come together on the same field to put their skills and abilities on display. American League vs. National League. Hitters vs. pitchers, power and speed, great hitting and almost unbelievable defensive skills.The best of the best. Even the World Series doesn’t bring as much talent together on the same field.
Every team from both leagues is represented and the fans are the ones who get to choose who plays. Only 3 forces from outside the game can prevent great talents from participating: injuries, (personal or family), votes, or a player violating the rules of the game and being caught and barred from participating. In many ways, it rivals the World Series since every team has a player on the field. In that sense, every fan is vested in this one game, played only ONCE a year.
As an example of that fact: Go Dodgers! T.R.
I think Roberts has the right of it. All Star game is a fun diversion, but it pales compared to preparing for the post-season. Roberts is a canny lad, and he’s vested in keeping Shohei healthy and playing well.