Los Angeles Dodgers ace Shohei Ohtani prepares for his final start before the 2026 MLB All-Star break as the team faces the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-game series starting Friday night at 10:15 p.m. ET from Dodger Stadium. After overcoming several health issues, Ohtani has been cleared to pitch and is expected to have limited action in the upcoming All-Star Game in Philadelphia.

Ohtani boasts an impressive record of 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA and previously dominated the Diamondbacks, allowing just two hits over six scoreless innings in their last encounter on June 3. He also contributed offensively, going 3-for-4 with two walks. This season, the Dodgers have secured 5 wins against Arizona, with Ohtani achieving a 1-0 record and a 1.06 ERA in three career starts against them.

The Dodgers, leading the National League West, have won 12 of their last 16 games. In contrast, the Diamondbacks recently managed a 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres, marking just their fifth win in the last 13 games.

Starting for Arizona is Eduardo Rodriguez, an All-Star for the first time in his 11-year career, with a record of 7-3 and a 2.25 ERA. Rodriguez expressed his excitement about the All-Star opportunity, stating, "After all these years, it's really special to have the opportunity to finally go to one."

In addition to the MLB action, fans can look forward to the World Cup quarterfinals featuring Norway vs. England on Saturday, and the highly anticipated UFC 329 main event between Max Holloway and Conor McGregor, showcasing the best of sports this weekend.