Shohei Ohtani has already made All Star Game history before even making his debut in the Mid-Summer Classic. The Los Angeles Angels star is the first player ever to make the team as a position player and a pitcher, leading to the question as to whether or not he will perform on both sides of the ball during the game.
That question has been answered. Not only is Ohtani going to take his hacks as the American League’s starting designated hitter, but he will also get some time on the mound as well.
#Angels manager Joe Maddon talked with AL ASG manager Kevin Cash and Shohei Ohtani will hit and pitch in the All-Star Game. They are just trying to figure out which inning he’ll pitch.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) July 5, 2021
Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani will give the fans what they want
Ohtani is one of the more intriguing players in the game today. Not only is he one of the premier sluggers in baseball, leading the majors in homers, but he has been able to dominate on the mound. For those who are unable to see him on a regular basis, the highlight reels do not do him justice.
He certainly deserves his spot in the All Star Game. His 5.2 bWAR leads the majors, as he has dominated with the bat. Heading into Monday, Ohtani had produced an impressive .278/.366/.704 batting line in his 317 plate appearances, hitting 31 homers and 17 doubles while stealing 12 bases. That production alone would be worthy of his All Star nod.
But that does not include what he has done on the mound. Even with a rough outing in his last appearances, and his early struggles with his command, Ohtani has been able to impress. He has posted a 3.60 ERA and a 1.267 WHiP in his 60 innings, striking out 83 batters. Those solid numbers are all the more impressive considering what he does at the plate.
Ohtani has pitched and hit in the same game multiple times this year, so this will be nothing new. The only real difference is that he is likely to enter the contest as a reliever, getting that time on the mound when he would be about to leave the game. But what is important is that the fans will get to see one of the greatest marvels in the game today ply his trade on both sides of the ball.
Shohei Ohtani will be giving the fans what they want to see. The Los Angeles Angels star will pitch and hit in the All Star Game.