Shohei Ohtani withdraws from All-Star Game due to injury, drawing criticism from US media: disappointing fans

Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese two-way superstar for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was voted as the league's top vote-getter for this year's All-Star Game. However, due to fluid buildup in his knee, he had to announce his withdrawal. As widely recognized as the face of Major League Baseball, Ohtani's absence has left countless fans deeply disappointed, and the American media has reacted strongly to this situation. The podcast "The Odd Couple with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington" did not hold back in criticizing Ohtani, stating that he has brought shame to the All-Star Game and that he should have been able to play.

Ohtani originally planned to start on the mound at home on July 10 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, but was forced to postpone due to his knee injury. Given the fluid accumulation in his left knee, rest is the most reasonable course of action. However, Ohtani can still play as a designated hitter, and he explained, "The knee is not inflamed right now, but this condition tends to recur."

However, this explanation did not satisfy everyone. The hosts of the aforementioned podcast directly criticized Ohtani for "disappointing fans," questioning why he could play as a hitter in regular-season games over the weekend but was unwilling to take even a single at-bat in the All-Star Game. They argued that Ohtani should at least appear as the leadoff hitter for one plate appearance as a gesture of appreciation to the fans who voted for him.

"I never thought he was the greatest player of all time, but I don't hate him either," one host said. "I just think he should have participated."

However, from the perspective of Ohtani's supporters, this criticism is unfair. The reality of his knee injury might be more complicated than what outsiders see, and his decision to withdraw from the All-Star Game is aimed at preparing better for the second half of the season. In a long season, this is a completely understandable decision.