Shohei Ohtani Returns to Mound vs. D‑Backs Before All‑Star Break

**Shohei Ohtani** took the mound for his last pre‑All‑Star start on **July 5, 2026**, as the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Arizona Diamondbacks at Dodger Stadium. The right‑hander, cleared after a string of injuries, posted a 1.79 ERA and 8‑2 record heading into the game.

The start marks Ohtani’s final opportunity to pitch before the All‑Star break, giving him a chance to fine‑tune his mechanics after battling a right bicep strain, a left‑knee issue and hand blisters. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hinted Ohtani might see only one or two at‑bats before being pulled, balancing the need to protect his arm with the desire to keep him in the lineup.

Ohtani entered the game with a **1‑0 record and a 1.06 ERA** in his three career starts versus the Diamondbacks. He previously blanked Arizona on June 3, delivering six scoreless innings on two hits while going **3‑for‑4** at the plate. The Dodgers are **5‑2** against Arizona overall this year, and the series win would push their NL West lead even further.

Arizona will start left‑hander **Eduardo Rodríguez (7‑3, 2.25 ERA)**, making his first All‑Star appearance after 11 seasons. Rodríguez, a former 19‑game winner with Boston, has struggled against Los Angeles, posting a **2‑4 record and 4.74 ERA** in nine starts. Ohtani has **7‑for‑23 (.304)** against him, with one homer and two doubles, suggesting the matchup could favor the Japanese star.

The Dodgers entered the series having won **12 of their last 16 games** and leading the NL West. After the Diamondbacks series, they will head into the All‑Star break, where Ohtani is slated for limited action with the National League. The break offers a chance for the team to rest key arms and keep Ohtani’s health intact for the second half of the season.

While his primary role is pitching, Ohtani remains a threat at the plate. In his recent start against the Colorado Rockies, he hit his **300th career homer** and drove in two runs. Against Arizona, he’s **7‑for‑23** with a .304 average, providing the Dodgers with a potential offensive spark even if he exits early.

Los Angeles sits atop the NL West, with a comfortable lead over the second‑place Diamondbacks, who sit **14½ games** back. The win would cement the Dodgers’ dominance heading into the All‑Star pause and keep Ohtani’s momentum alive for the stretch run.

Following the All‑Star Game in Philadelphia, Ohtani is expected to resume a regular rotation spot, likely pitching every fifth day. The Dodgers will monitor his recovery closely, aiming to keep him healthy for a potential postseason run.

Arizona, coming off a **3‑1 win** over San Diego, will look to bounce back despite being **5‑2** overall against the Dodgers. Their lineup features **Nolan Arenado**, who is six hits shy of 2,000 career hits, and **Pavin Smith**, who may be designated for assignment after a slump.

The matchup on July 5 offers a snapshot of Ohtani’s dual‑threat status and the Dodgers’ push for a division‑winning season.