Why Shohei Ohtani isn't playing tonight in All-Star Game for Dodgers

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Shohei Ohtani is an All Star, because of course he is.

But the National League will have to win without him. The Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way superstar isn't actually playing for the NL.

He was elected as the starting designated hitter for the NL.

Kyle Schwarber, though, is starting in the DH spot.

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Why isn't Shohei Ohtani playing?

Ohtani is recovering from an injury, and so he and the Dodgers are being careful.

He's getting treatment for ongoing irritation in his left knee.

Given that Ohtani plays on both sides of the ball, it's really not something the Dodgers can afford to mess with.

It means fans don't get to see Ohtani on the field in the Midsummer Classic.

The hope for the Dodgers, though, is that he'll be available for the Fall Classic as they try to three-peat.