Shohei Ohtani’s long-awaited return to the mound has been one of the biggest storylines of the 2026 MLB season, but fans hoping to see the two-way superstar pitch in this year’s All-Star Game may have to temper their expectations.

According to the Dodgers’ latest rotation plans, Ohtani’s scheduled start has been moved from today to Friday against the San Diego Padres. The adjustment makes it increasingly unlikely that he will be available to take the mound during the MLB All-Star Game, as teams are typically cautious about allowing starting pitchers to appear just a few days after a regular-season outing.

While Ohtani is still expected to be one of the biggest attractions during All-Star festivities, his contributions will likely come at the plate rather than on the pitching rubber.

If that ends up being the case, it will continue a surprising statistic in one of baseball’s most remarkable careers: Ohtani has pitched in the All-Star Game only once, back in 2021.

That appearance remains one of the most iconic moments in modern baseball history. Representing the Los Angeles Angels, Ohtani became the first player ever selected to the All-Star Game as both a pitcher and a position player. It was a historic achievement that perfectly captured the uniqueness of his talents.

Starting on the mound for the American League, Ohtani threw a scoreless first inning while also serving as the designated hitter. Baseball fans around the world witnessed something they had never seen before—a true two-way superstar performing both roles on the sport’s biggest midsummer stage.

Five years later, Ohtani remains one of the game’s brightest stars, but circumstances have changed significantly.

After undergoing elbow surgery and carefully progressing through his pitching rehabilitation, the Dodgers have managed his workload with extreme caution. Every decision regarding his pitching schedule has been made with October in mind rather than individual accolades or exhibition appearances.

The Dodgers know their ultimate goal isn’t winning an All-Star Game—it’s winning another World Series.

Moving Ohtani’s start to Friday fits that philosophy perfectly.

Pitching against a division rival like the Padres carries far greater importance than appearing in an exhibition game, regardless of how prestigious the All-Star Game may be. The National League West remains highly competitive, and every game could prove crucial as the postseason race unfolds.

From a health perspective, the decision also makes complete sense.

Pitchers rarely appear in the All-Star Game if they’re scheduled to start just days before or after the event. Clubs prioritize maintaining regular routines and avoiding unnecessary stress during the middle of the season, especially for pitchers recovering from previous injuries.

Given everything Ohtani has overcome to return to the mound, the Dodgers have little incentive to alter that carefully managed schedule.

Fans may be disappointed, but they’ll almost certainly understand the reasoning.

After all, Ohtani’s value extends far beyond one inning in an exhibition.

Every regular-season start represents another step in rebuilding his workload as one of baseball’s elite pitchers while continuing to produce as one of its most dangerous hitters. Very few players have ever carried such responsibility on both sides of the game.

Even if he doesn’t pitch during All-Star week, Ohtani will still be one of the event’s biggest attractions.

His batting practice sessions routinely draw massive crowds, and every plate appearance becomes must-watch television. Fans from across the baseball world eagerly anticipate every opportunity to watch him swing the bat, regardless of whether he’s also taking the mound.

His popularity has only grown since joining the Dodgers.

Playing in one of baseball’s largest markets while competing for a perennial championship contender has further elevated his global profile. Jerseys, merchandise, television ratings, and attendance figures continue to reflect his enormous impact on the sport.

That’s why every decision involving Ohtani receives so much attention.

A simple rotation adjustment immediately becomes national news because fans understand how rare his talents truly are.

Although pitching in the All-Star Game appears increasingly unlikely, Ohtani’s season remains on an exciting trajectory.

His continued progress as both a hitter and pitcher is exactly what Dodgers fans hoped to see entering the year. More importantly, every successful outing builds confidence that he can continue making meaningful contributions deep into the postseason.

For Los Angeles, preserving Ohtani’s health for October is infinitely more valuable than adding another All-Star pitching appearance to his already extraordinary résumé.

As much as baseball fans would love to watch him throw another inning under the brightest midsummer lights, the bigger picture matters most.

If skipping the All-Star mound helps ensure Ohtani is fully healthy for a World Series run, it’s a trade the Dodgers—and likely Ohtani himself—would gladly make.

And while his only All-Star pitching appearance may remain the unforgettable performance from 2021, fans know there will still be plenty of opportunities to witness baseball’s greatest two-way player continue making history throughout the rest of the 2026 season.