NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani achieved a first in the nearly century-long history of baseball’s All-Star Game: selection as both a position player and a pitcher.
The Los Angeles Angels two-way sensation was among the starting pitchers picked Sunday for the American League staff for the July 13 showcase at Denver’s Coors Field. Ohtani, who leads the majors in home runs, had already been elected by fans to start for the AL at designated hitter.
The Boston Red Sox have the most All-Stars for the first time since 2009, sending five. DH J.D. Martinez, starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and reliever Matt Barnes were chosen to join a pair of starters: shortstop Xander Bogaerts and third baseman Rafael Devers.