The Los Angeles Dodgers had two-way star Shohei Ohtani set to start Wednesday’s series finale against the Athletics, but moved him back to pitch Friday at home against the San Diego Padres.
This decision, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, may have taken Ohtani out of contention to make a pitching appearance in the All-Star Game.
“Shohei Ohtani, with his start now being pushed back from today until Friday, no longer is a viable candidate to pitch in the All-Star Game,” Nightengale wrote.
“He’s scheduled to make his last first-half start next weekend, which would require him to pitch on short rest in the All-Star Game.”
Ohtani has only pitched in one All-Star Game before, coming in 2021. He threw a perfect 1-2-3 inning for the American League, retiring Fernando Tatis Jr., current teammate Max Muncy and Nolan Arenado.
It would be a shame if Ohtani couldn’t make his way to the mound in the Midsummer Classic, as he has been one of the most exciting stories in baseball this season—pitching his first full season since 2022. He has a 1.58 ERA through his 13 starts this year, recording eight wins so far this season. The right-hander has 86 strikeouts through 79.2 innings pitched.
Will Shohei Ohtani Still Participate in the All-Star Game?
Ohtani is still set to be on the National League All-Star team, as he earned the highest number of votes in the National League during Phase 1 of voting to ensure his place as their designated hitter. His inclusion in the game is only natural as MLB’s most marketable player, and his performances on the field have more than warranted a slot in the Midsummer Classic.
Offensively, Ohtani is in full swing and looks to be just as good as he has been over the past few seasons. He has 18 homers so far this season, and reached the half-century mark in RBIs against the Athletics on Monday.
His .954 OPS is the best on the Dodgers, and is second to only Juan Soto in the National League among qualified hitters.
Do you want to see Ohtani pitch in the All-Star Game or would you rather he stay on schedule for the Dodgers?
