Call to the pen
Fansided

Shohei Ohtani leading off and starting All Star Game

By David Hill

Jul 9, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2021; Seattle, Washington, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a solo home run against the Seattle Mariners during the third inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Shohei Ohtani was already set to be one of the main attractions of the All Star Game. The Los Angeles Angels star was one of the headliners of the Home Run Derby, as he was set to make history as the first Japanese player, and first pitcher, to be included. All eyes will be on him when he takes his place in the batter’s box on Monday night.

Ohtani is also set to steal the show on Tuesday. He will be the starting pitcher for the American League and bat as their leadoff man as the designated hitter.

Shohei Ohtani ready to take step to becoming household name

If Major League Baseball gets its way, this will be the first step towards making Ohtani, and several other players, a household name. MLB’s stars are lagging behind other sports in terms of name recognition, and there is no better place to begin the hype train than at the All Star Game and the associated festivities.

More Angels. Stephen A. Smith crossed line with comments on Ohtani. light

Ohtani does not need any help in that regard amongst baseball fans. Finally healthy, he is beginning to show that even the most optimistic projections of what he could be were understating his potential. He has posted a 3.49 ERA and a 1.209 WHiP over his 67 innings, striking out 87 batters with 35 walks, numbers that are depressed due to his struggles at the start of the season.

As impressive as he has been on the mound, he has been truly elite in the batter’s box. Ohtani has posted an impressive .279/.364/.698 batting line in his 343 plate appearances, hitting 33 homers and 19 doubles while stealing 12 bases. He leads the majors in homers, slugging percentage, and total bases, as he is easily the favorite for the AL MVP award.

The All Star Game is about celebrating the players and their accomplishments. It is a way to put the spotlight on the best players in the game. What Ohtani is doing is truly historic, and deserves as big of a spotlight as possible. He will get that on Tuesday.

Angels can set up future at trade deadline. dark. Next

Shohei Ohtani is not only going to lead off for the American League in the All Star Game, but he will be the starting pitcher as well. History is about to be made.

Home/Los Angeles Angels