After becoming the only Japanese player with 200 Major League Baseball home runs, Shohei Ohtani aims to go deep for the first time in an MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, when he makes his fourth straight start in the Midsummer Classic.
The starting lineups were announced on the eve of the game at Globe Life Field in Arlington, home of the Texas Rangers, with Ohtani to bat second as designated hitter for the National League.
Ohtani will start alongside Los Angeles Dodgers teammate and newly crowned Home Run Derby winner Teoscar Hernandez.
Coming off an outstanding first half to the season, Ohtani has been tipped as a potential All-Star MVP and hopes to bolster his case with a homer.
“I want to hit one,” said the 30-year-old, who made his three previous All-Star appearances for the American League as a member of the Los Angeles Angels.
Baltimore Orioles right-hander Corbin Burnes is set to be his first opponent after being named as the AL’s starting pitcher.
“They’re all great pitchers and I’m looking forward to battling whoever is on the mound,” Ohtani said.
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie sensation Paul Skenes has been named the NL’s starting pitcher, while Chicago Cubs first-year standout Shota Imanaga is in line to make his MLB All-Star debut from the bullpen.
“This is like a dream. I’m so happy to be here,” Imanaga said.
The 30-year-old left-hander said he hoped to pitch against New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge, the current MLB home run leader, who topped the fan vote for the AL.
“His numbers are like something out of a video game. I’d love to see what he makes of my pitches,” Imanaga said.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (L) shakes hands with Philadelphia Phillies’ Bryce Harper at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on July 15, 2024, on the eve of Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
