Ya is almost ready the MLB All-Star Game and after a vote by the fans, Shohei Ohtani will be the starting pitcher by the American League due to his last half year that catapulted him as one of the best baseball players of the moment.
Until now, the Japanese has 33 home runs, four triples, as well as 210 bases, plus another 12 stolen bases, with a .698 slugging ERA, sufficient numbers to be considered as batter and starting pitcher; historical record because so far it will be the first to occupy both distinctions for an all-star game.
Opposite will be Max Scherzer who comes from the Washington Nationals, but the ambidextrous Ohtani has the reflectors on it. So much that the same Kevin Cash, manager of the American League for his work in Tampa Bay, explained that all the fans wanted to see this. “I personally want to see it,” Cash reiterated.
With the right he throws the ball, while with the left he bats, a sight worth seeing since he has 17 home runs that exceed 128 meters, a figure that adds to the 87 batters he struck out in just 67 innings.
“I did not expect to be cast as cast, It is a great honor, Ohtani said, praised by the choice of the players and fans.
The Los Angeles Angels baseball player also told ESPN that he always wanted to see a Japanese player in the Home Run Derby and now he will be in charge of commanding this dream. At the same time, Ohtani through his interpreter commented that it is a great honor.
Thus, the 27-year-old player, who already has his fourth season in the major American leagues, is the second Japanese baseball player to start an All-Star GameIn 1995, Hideo Nomo obtained this title when he defended the colors of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The AL lineup will continue with Vladimir Guerrero Jr; son of the legendary namesake, who will hit in the second round and play first base. Then comes Xander Bogaerts of Boston, added to right fielder Aaron Judge that he had an excellent season with the Yankees; second base will be occupied by Marcus Semien; in third will be Rafael Devers just like Boston; while the center fielder position will be held by Cedric Mullins of Baltimore and the diamond will close it Teoscar Hernandez as a left fielder, not forgetting Salvador Perez from Kansas City who will serve as receiver.