Dodgers say Shohei Ohtani will miss upcoming start as knee irritation persists

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed on Sunday that Shohei Ohtani will miss his scheduled start against the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday and will be shut down from pitching for an unspecified period because of irritation in his left knee. Roberts said the condition has "not gotten better" and that erring on the side of caution gives the team the best chance to avoid further complications.

Roberts added that Ohtani, who last pitched on July 3 in a win over the San Diego Padres, informed the training staff that his knee was not improving as expected before a planned bullpen session, prompting a change in the recovery plan. While Ohtani remains in the lineup as the Dodgers' designated hitter, his knee issues appear only when he pitches, not when he bats.

The manager indicated that Ohtani could return to the mound later in the season, but no specific date has been set. He described the situation as "not a day-to-day thing" and emphasized that the team will continue to monitor the injury before deciding on a pitching comeback.