Los Angeles Angels two-way talent Shohei Ohtani was named to the American League roster as a pitcher on Sunday, in addition to his previous selection as a designated hitter.
Last year, Ohtani became the first Major League Baseball player to be selected for the All-Star, as a pitcher and lead hitter for the American League. This year’s All-Star Game will take place on July 19 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, the day after the Home Run Derby.
A combination photo shows Los Angeles Angels doubles player Shohei Ohtani allowing an unearned run in seven innings (left) and hitting a two-run single in the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins, July 6, 2022, at the park LoanDepot in Miami, Florida. (Essonne Info) ==Essonne Info
“It’s a huge honour. I would like to do my best for all the people who voted for me,” Ohtani said.
“We haven’t discussed my workload yet, so I’ll think about (how to prepare for the game) when the time comes,” said Ohtani, who has played 84 of the Angels’ 87 games this season.
The 2021 American League Most Valuable Player edged out Houston Astros player Yordan Alvarez for the base defenseman position, earning 52% of the fan vote.
Ohtani threw a blank inning and got the win last year in Denver. He’s done even better on the mound so far this season, going 8-4 with a 2.44 ERA, 111 strikeouts and just 20 walks in 14 games.
The 28-year-old right-hander is the only Japanese player to be named to the American League and National League rosters. Each league is allowed 32 players on its all-star roster, 20 position players and 12 pitchers, and every MLB team must be represented.
MLB has yet to announce the roster for this year’s Home Run Derby.
