Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani has put his name in the history books for the second year in a row, as he was named an American League All-Star as a pitcher and a designated hitter.
Ohtani was named the starter at the designated hitter position over Houston Astros slugger Yordan Alvarez by a slim margin, and is arguably even more deserving of his nod as a pitcher. Ohtani has been outright dominant on the mound this season.
He is on pace for more starts and innings than his historic 2021 season, but has a better ERA — 2.44 compared to 3.18 last season — and WHIP, 0.988 vs. 1.090 in 2021. His ERA+ is 161 and his FIP — Fielding-Independent Pitching — is 2.42, meaning his ERA is exactly where it’s supposed to be.
His 12.3 K-per-9 is a career high in seasons he pitched more than two innings, while his 2.2 walks per nine and 0.9 home runs per nine represent career-bests as well. By nearly every metric, Ohtani is having his best season as a pitcher.
Ohtani has struck out 111 batters in 81.0 innings, but has walked only 20. Ohtani has been so good, that he has made a legitimate case to once again be the American League’s starting pitcher, the way he was in 2021.
Astros manager Dusty Baker will likely be deciding between Ohtani and Tampa Bay Rays ace Shane McClanahan. McClanahan is currently the favorite to win the AL Cy Young award, but Ohtani’s remarkable season — and the game’s Los Angeles based location — could make him an intriguing option.
The Angels have two All-Stars this season — Trout and Ohtani — serving as a nice silver lining for a season that has quickly become a massive disappointment. After starting 27-17, the Angels are 11-32 in their last 43 games, ranking among the worst in the Majors in nearly every category.
Below is the complete list of All-Star reserves and pitchers in the American and National League. The complete list of starters can be seen here.
American League Reserves
C: Jose Trevino, Yankees
IF: Luis Arraez, Twins; Xander Bogaerts, Red Sox; José Ramírez, Guardians; Andrés Giménez, Guardians
OF: George Springer, Blue Jays; Byron Buxton, Twins; Andrew Benintendi, Royals; Kyle Tucker, Astros; Julio Rodríguez, Mariners
DH: Yordan Alvarez, Astros
Legacy: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
American League Pitchers
Shane McClanahan, Rays
Nestor Cortes, Yankees
Alek Manoah, Blue Jays
Framber Valdez, Astros
Martín Pérez, Rangers
Paul Blackburn, Athletics
Justin Verlander, Astros
Gerrit Cole, Yankees
Shohei Ohtani, Angels
Clay Holmes, Yankees
Emmanuel Clase, Guardians
Gregory Soto, Tigers
Jorge López, Orioles
National League Reserves
C: Travis d’Arnaud, Braves
IF: Nolan Arenado, Cardinals; Pete Alonso, Mets; Jeff McNeil, Mets; C.J. Cron, Rockies; Dansby Swanson, Braves
OF: Kyle Schwarber, Phillies; Juan Soto, Nationals; Starling Marte, Mets; Ian Happ, Cubs
DH: William Contreras, Braves
Legacy: Albert Pujols, Cardinals
National League Pitchers
Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers
Sandy Alcantara, Marlins
Corbin Burnes, Brewers
Luis Castillo, Reds
Max Fried, Braves
Tony Gonsolin, Dodgers
Joe Musgrove, Padres
Edwin Díaz, Mets
Josh Hader, Brewers
Ryan Helsley, Cardinals
David Bednar, Pirates
Joe Mantiply, Diamondbacks
