What happened: Shohei Ohtani returned to the Dodgers' lineup as leadoff hitter Friday against the Yankees after being scratched from the All-Star Game with left knee inflammation. Manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani received a lubricant injection in the knee, not a drainage procedure, and the club will monitor him this week before locking in his next mound outing, tentatively Wednesday, July 22.

Why it matters: The knee discomfort had been affecting Ohtani's pitching mechanics, prompting the All-Star withdrawal despite his leading the league in fan voting. The Dodgers say they'll manage his workload cautiously through the second half as he continues serving as both leadoff hitter and starting pitcher.

What to watch: Ohtani and the Dodgers play the Yankees Saturday and Sunday before opening a three-game series against the Phillies.