Why Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani might have problem pitching in MLB All-Star Game

The Los Angeles Dodgers are going to have a strong contingent of players heading to Philadelphia for the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, and Shohei Ohtani is going to be one of them.

He's likely to win the starting spot at designated hitter for the NL All-Stars over Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies, but another Phillies All-Star and a Milwaukee Brewers ace might pose a problem for Ohtani when it comes to pitching.

As USA Today's Bob Nightengale highlighted, Ohtani might not pitch during the All-Star Game because if he doesn't start, it will be hard for him to enter the game as a reliever while also being a DH for the All-Star team.

Why Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani might have an All-Star pitching problem

"If Shohei Ohtani isn't the starting pitcher at the All-Star Game, it may be difficult for him to enter the game in relief, the Dodgers say, while remaining as the starting DH," Nightengale writes.

With either Phillies' Cristopher Sanchez or Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski expected to start the All-Star Game, it's going to be hard for Ohtani to pitch and hit during the All-Star Game, like he's done all year for the Dodgers.

Ohtani might have to choose one or the other, as he's not likely to be the NL starter for the All-Star Game, with Misiorowski likely the frontrunner, and Sanchez having the home-field advantage.

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This is a fascinating situation that could impact how Ohtani is used during the All-Star Game, as he might only act as a pitcher or a hitter, unless Dave Roberts, who is managing the NL All-Star team, names Ohtani the starting DH and starting pitcher.

But it might make sense for Ohtani to skip the All-Star Game as a pitcher, especially since the Dodgers are already managing his workload so much this season.

He's likely going to start the All-Star Game as the DH, and while it would be a bit disappointing if he doesn't pitch, he could still partake in the All-Star festivities as a starter.

This Ohtani problem will be one to keep track of as the July 14 All-Star Game approaches. Ohtani will be an All-Star and likely lead all players in votes this season. But, he might only hit, and not pitch, despite his two-way dominance this season.

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