Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani will have his hands full in the 2021 MLB All-Star Game. After previously being selected as American League’s designated hitter by the fans, Ohtani also received an All-Star invite as a starting pitcher for the AL.
This made Ohtani the first two-way All-Star in MLB history. No other player received two selections for the same game since the league created the All-Star contest in 1933.
“It’s my first time, so I just want to enjoy everything. There’s also the Home Run Derby, so I’m looking forward to taking it all in and enjoy everything,” said Ohtani in a quote shared by the Angels.
Getting two All-Star nods is a testament to Ohtani’s dominant run in the 2021 season. As a pitcher, the 27-year-old player has a 3-1 record while posting a 3.60 ERA and totaling 83 strikeouts.
Ohtani is performing even better at-bats, hitting .278 with 67 RBIs. His 31 home runs this season are the most in the entire league.
Besides Ohtani, the Angels have two more All-Stars. Mike Trout was selected as a starting outfielder, while Jared Walsh made the reserves as a first baseman. Only Ohtani and Walsh will take part in the game, however, since Trout is currently out with a right calf strain.
The 2021 MLB All-Star game will take place on Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, on July 13th.
