Ohtani becomes 2-way All-Star for 3rd straight year; 8 Braves selected for July 11 game

Shohei Ohtani, for the third consecutive year, was named a two-way All-Star as he secured a spot on the American League pitching staff on Sunday. Additionally, the Atlanta Braves dominated the selection process with eight players chosen for the July 11 game in Seattle, marking the highest number of selections for a team since 2012.

Ohtani’s inclusion in the pitching staff came after fans voted him to start as the designated hitter. Among all American League players, Ohtani received the highest number of votes. He holds the distinction of being the only player in major league history to be named a two-way All-Star.

Dusty Baker, the manager of the American League team, praised Ohtani’s humble and great demeanor, highlighting his respectful nature and ability to handle the attention and fame with humility.

In other news, the Atlanta Braves defeated the Miami Marlins 6-3 to complete a sweep, with Ozzie Albies hitting a go-ahead two-run home run. The Braves’ winning streak continued as they won 23 out of their last 26 games. Mike Soroka made a successful return to the team, winning his first home start since August 3, 2020, and Matt Olson contributed with two home runs and five RBIs.

Recalling the previous All-Star games, Ohtani showcased his skills both as a hitter and a pitcher. In the 2021 game in Denver, he grounded out against Max Scherzer and Corbin Burnes, while pitching a perfect first inning, retiring Fernando Tatis Jr., Max Muncy, and Nolan Arenado. In the previous year’s game at Dodger Stadium, Ohtani singled on Clayton Kershaw’s first pitch and drew a walk against Joe Musgrove, but did not pitch.

Among the Atlanta Braves, Ronald Acuña Jr., Orlando Arcia, and Sean Murphy were elected to the National League starting lineup by fans. The remaining five Braves players—Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder, Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Austin Riley—were voted in by fellow players.

This year’s All-Star selections also featured notable achievements. Corbin Carroll, a rookie outfielder from the Arizona Diamondbacks and a Seattle native, was elected as a starter, making him the youngest All-Star at the age of 22. On the other hand, J.D. Martinez of the Los Angeles Dodgers, serving as the designated hitter, became the oldest All-Star at 35.

The selection included 26 first-time All-Stars, while Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels secured his 11th All-Star selection, making his 10th appearance as a starter. Pitchers Zac Gallen, Clayton Kershaw, Marcus Stroman, and relievers Alexis Díaz, Camilo Doval, and Josh Hader were among the National League staff members, voted in by players. The reserves included players like Will Smith, Dansby Swanson, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Nick Castellanos, and Jorge Soler.

For the American League, starting pitchers Gerrit Cole, Nathan Eovaldi, Sonny Gray, Shane McClanahan, and Shohei Ohtani were voted in by players, along with relievers Felix Bautista, Yennier Cano, and Emmanuel Clase. The reserves featured Adley Rutschman, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Whit Merrifield, Bo Bichette, José Ramírez, Yordan Alvarez, Adolis García, Austin Hays, and Brent Rooker.

The selection process left out notable players such as Fernando Tatis Jr., Wander Franco, and Ketel Marte, despite their impressive performances.

The All-Star Game will also see additional selections as injury replacements are expected for Yordan Alvarez and Aaron Judge. Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners, a hometown favorite, was not included in the initial selection but has committed to participating in the Home Run Derby.

The 2023 All-Star Game promises to be an exciting event, with top players from both leagues showcasing their talents.

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More about All-Star Game

• Shohei Ohtani selected as two-way All-Star
• Atlanta Braves dominate All-Star selections
• MLB All-Star Game official website
• Previous All-Star Game records
• Notable players left off the All-Star roster