Shohei Ohtani of the Major League Baseball Angels will be the starting pitcher in the All-Star Game to be held on the 13th (14th Japan time).
Otani will play as the first batter, then go up to the starting mound, and play in the All-Star game for the first time in history with dual wielding.
On the 12th, Otani attended the press conference the day before the All-Star Game held before the home run competition, and it was announced that he would be on the mound as a starting pitcher in the American League.
After that, by applying special rules, the batting order will be ranked first as a designated hitter selected by fan voting, and it was decided to play with the dual wield of throwing for the first time in history in the All-Star game.
At the press conference, Otani said, "I didn't expect it at all. I didn't expect to be selected as a pitcher, so I'm very honored to be selected as a starting pitcher. I'll do my best to meet my expectations." I was talking with a smile.
Rays coach Cash, who is in charge of the American League, said, "Fans want to see both, and I want to see them. I talk with Angels coach Maddon many times and use the same appointment as during the season. I thought it was appropriate. "
It is the second Japanese player to start in the All-Star Game in 1995, the first time in 26 years since Hideo Nomo of the Dodgers at that time.
In the National League, pitcher Scherzer of the Nationals, who has won the Cy Young Award three times, was assigned the fourth starting mound in the all-star game, and Otani first appeared as a batter in the top of the first inning, and then behind the scenes. Go up to the mound.