LOS ANGELES — The Arizona Diamondbacks will avoid facing one of the National League’s best pitchers when they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday night.
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Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Shohei Ohtani (17) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix, on June 2, 2026. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
According to team reporter Jody Jackson, Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani will not make his scheduled start on the mound because of continued irritation in his left knee. Despite the scratched start, Ohtani will still serve as Los Angeles’ designated hitter against Arizona this weekend.
Not having to face Ohtani as a pitcher provides a more favorable matchup for the D-Backs as they look to stack a few more wins before the All-Star break after splitting their latest series against the San Diego Padres. Facing Ohtani would have added another difficult challenge, as his performance on the mound this season has placed him among the league’s elite.
From Dodgers Communications…
SHOHEI OHTANI UPDATE
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Dodger Shohei Ohtani will not make his scheduled start on the mound this evening against the Arizona Diamondbacks due to continued irritation in his left knee. He will serve as the designated hitter…
— Jody Jackson (@Jody_Jackson) July 10, 2026
In 14 starts, the Dodgers star has posted a 1.79 ERA with 95 strikeouts and a 0.95 WHIP. His combination of velocity, breaking pitches, efficiency and ability to limit hard contact has made him one of the toughest pitchers for opposing hitters to solve.
Ohtani’s scratched start gives Arizona a different approach heading into the series. The Diamondbacks will not have to worry about manufacturing offense against a pitcher capable of controlling the game from the mound, allowing them to focus on attacking the rest of Los Angeles’ pitching staff.
Jun 3, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
However, the Dodgers remain a major threat, especially with Ohtani still in the lineup. Arizona must still contend with Los Angeles’ depth on the mound and the star power throughout a roster that extends well beyond its two-way superstar.
The D-Backs will need to continue relying on quality at-bats, situational hitting and discipline against the reigning World Series champions’ pitching staff.
Jun 3, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While the challenge might be different for the Snakes, the stakes remain the same as they look to close the first half of the season on a high note.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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