Shohei Ohtani becomes first player to start MLB All-Star Game as both hitter and pitcher

Jul 14, 2021 | News On Japan

Jul 14, 2021 (Japan Times) - DENVER – Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani on Tuesday became the first player in the 88-year history of the All-Star Game to start as both a hitter and pitcher.

Ohtani, who was listed in the lineup as a designated hitter, batted leadoff for the American League and then took the mound as the starting pitcher in the game at Coors Field in Denver, adding yet another first in his four-year MLB career.

He grounded out in his first at-bat, then in the bottom half he set the National League down in order, retiring the three batters he faced — Fernando Tatis Jr., Max Muncy and Nolan Arenado — on a flyout and two groundouts. He grounded out again in his final plate visit.

“I’m quite tired but I enjoyed the atmosphere,” said Ohtani, who hit 100 mph (161 kph) with his fastball in a 14-pitch outing.

Ohtani was aggressive on both sides of the ball, and the fans greeted him with standing ovations. He swung at all three pitches he saw in two at-bats, the first two pitches from NL starter and Washington Nationals ace Max Scherzer.

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