New York тАУ Shohei Ohtani was named as a starter for the All-Star Game, MLB announced Thursday, making him the first Japanese player voted to start since Ichiro Suzuki made his final all-star appearance in 2010.
Voted the American LeagueтАЩs starting designated hitter in a fan ballot, the Los Angeles AngelsтАЩ two-way player, a first-time all-star, will be the fourth Japanese to bat in the midsummer classic after Ichiro, Hideki Matsui and Kosuke Fukudome.
He is the first Japanese designated hitter selected to an MLB All-Star team.
тАЬIтАЩll do my best to put on a show that will excite the fans,тАЭ Ohtani said through the team.
Ohtani, who is also slated to be the first Japanese player to compete in the home run derby, could potentially bat and pitch in the All-Star Game at DenverтАЩs Coors Field on July 13, when the designated hitter rule will be used.
Angels manager Joe Maddon was quoted as saying on MLB.com that he is тАЬall forтАЭ Ohtani playing both ways in the All-Star Game, a day after he takes part in the home run hitting competition.
тАЬHeтАЩd only pitch one inning and probably only get one at-bat. Let him hit and pitch. People want to see that. ItтАЩs good for baseball,тАЭ Maddon said.
Although AL pitchers rarely bat, due to the designated hitter rule, the Angels have frequently kept Ohtani in the batting lineup when he pitches to take advantage of his potent offense while he remains in the game.
The Angels star, who turns 27 on Monday, now has a major league-leading 28 home runs on the season to go with his 3.60 ERA after 12 pitching starts. He is playing his fourth season in the majors.
Ohtani, who played for the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan, was a five-time All-Star in NPB from 2013 to 2017 before joining the Angels in 2018.
OhtaniтАЩs teammate Mike Trout was voted in as one of three AL outfielders, his ninth career selection to the All-Star team, but is not expected to play as he recovers from a right calf strain.
Along with Ohtani, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is tied for second in the majors with 26 home runs, and San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. were among the nine first-time All-Stars selected by the fans to start this yearтАЩs game.
MLB canceled last yearтАЩs All-Star Game due to concerns over the coronavirus. This yearтАЩs game was moved to Denver after MLB pulled the game from Atlanta in response to GeorgiaтАЩs controversial voting law.
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KEYWORDS
Los Angeles Angels, Shohei Ohtani
