Shohei Ohtani May Pitch in All-Star Game
Shohei Ohtani will start as the National League's designated hitter in the All-Star Game. He may also pitch in the game, but a decision has not been made yet.
The All-Star Game is on July 14 in Philadelphia. Ohtani has a 8-2 record and a 1.58 ERA this season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said he, Ohtani, and the Dodgers have not decided if Ohtani will pitch.
Ohtani has only pitched once in an All-Star Game before, in 2021. He was the American League's starter that year.
If Ohtani pitches, it would likely be as the NL starter. This is because he will be in the NL's starting batting order.
The game's roster rules may need to be adjusted if Ohtani starts as a hitter and then pitches in relief.
Dave Roberts will manage the National League team in the All-Star Game. He led the Dodgers to a pennant win last season.
Ohtani earned his sixth All-Star selection this month. He was the top vote-getter in the first round of fan balloting.
The All-Star Game will feature other top players, including Jacob Misiorowski and Cristopher Sánchez.
Misiorowski has a 1.45 ERA this season, the best in the league. Sánchez has a 2.13 ERA and has pitched 110 innings.
Ohtani's current schedule has him pitching every Wednesday. The All-Star Game is on a Tuesday, but it may still fit his schedule.
Dave Roberts said Ohtani will obviously DH, but the pitching decision is still pending.
Ohtani did not pitch in the 2022 All-Star Game because of a scheduled start after the break. He did not pitch in 2023 due to a blister.
The last two years, Ohtani was recovering from Tommy John surgery.
This year's All-Star Game will be a great opportunity for Ohtani to showcase his skills.
He has a career-best 1.58 ERA this season. Only Misiorowski has a better ERA, at 1.45.
Ohtani's 8-2 record is also impressive. He has been one of the top players in the league this season.
The decision on whether Ohtani will pitch in the All-Star Game will be made soon.
It will be interesting to see what Dave Roberts and the Dodgers decide.
Ohtani's performance in the All-Star Game will be closely watched.
He is one of the most exciting players in the league, and fans will be eager to see him in action.