Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that Shohei Ohtani will miss his scheduled start Wednesday against the Philadelphia Phillies because of irritation in his left knee. The pitcher had not taken the mound in more than two weeks, and after a bullpen session he told the training staff that the knee wasn't improving. Roberts said the plan may be shifted a few days or the start skipped altogether, but he expects Ohtani to pitch again this season, just timing is uncertain.

Ohtani hasn't pitched since July 3, when he allowed three runs over six innings against the San Diego Padres. He received a lubricant injection on July 12, the Sunday before the All‑Star break, and did not travel to Philadelphia for the All‑Star Game. The Dodgers moved Emmet Sheehan’s scheduled start back a day to Monday. The team will likely run a bullpen game Sunday night, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto starting against Yankees right‑hander Cam Schlittler. Ohtani will be the designated hitter in the opener, but his participation in the second game remains undecided.

Roberts emphasized that the knee issue is only a concern when pitching, not hitting. Ohtani, a four‑time MVP, remains a heavy favorite for the National League MVP award.