Shohei Ohtani has etched his name in the record books by becoming the first player in Major League Baseball history to start at designated hitter in four consecutive All-Star Games. The Japanese superstar joins New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge as the only repeat starters from last year’s midsummer classic.
The Philadelphia Phillies are poised to make a remarkable impact on the National League lineup, with three players – Trea Turner, Alec Bohm, and Bryce Harper (whose status is uncertain due to a leg injury) – slated to start.
This marks a historic achievement for the Phillies, who last had three elected infielders in 1982 with Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt, and Manny Trillo.
The 2023 All-Star Game will feature a unique blend of established stars and newcomers, with six teams boasting two starters each. The Yankees’ Judge and Juan Soto, the Phillies’ Turner and Bohm, and the Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez are among the outstanding duos.
First-time starters include Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, William Contreras, Steven Kwan, and Jurickson Profar, who have all made serious contributions to their respective teams this season.
Veterans like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Jose Ramírez, and Altuve have also earned starting spots, solidifying their status as among the game’s elite players.
As the league prepares for the July 16 showdown in Arlington, Texas, Ohtani’s achievement serves as a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication. Despite not pitching this season due to reconstructive elbow surgery, the two-way phenom continues to make waves in the baseball world.