ドジャース 大谷おおたに翔平しょうへい オールスターに1番いちばんDHで先発せんぱつ出場しゅつじょうへ

Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers has been selected to start as the leadoff designated hitter in the Major League All-Star Game, which will be held on the 16th Japan time.

Shohei Ohtani, who will be participating for the fifth consecutive year, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, Of course, I’d be happy if I can hit a home run, but first and foremost, I just want to be able to swing my way.

This years All-Star Game will be held at the Braves home stadium in Atlanta.

During the press conference held the day before by the managers of both teams, the starting lineup was announced, and Ohtani, who was selected by fan voting, will play as the National Leagues leadoff hitter and designated hitter.

Shohei Ohtani, who responded to the interview in his uniform, was asked about expectations for hitting a home run for the second consecutive year. He said, Of course, I’d be happy if I can hit a home run, but since the opponents are also excellent, I just want to be able to make my own swing first, expressing his enthusiasm.

On top of that, when asked about his impression of the opposing starting pitcher, Skubal, he said, If possible, I’d rather not face him, but all of his pitches, including his fastball, are high quality and he aggressively attacks within the strike zone.

I want to make sure not to be overwhelmed by that momentum, he said, giving it high praise.

In addition to this, two Japanese pitchers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto of the Dodgers and Yusei Kikuchi of the Angels, were selected, but both have been removed from the All-Star Game roster due to considerations regarding their pitching schedules during the regular season.

This years All-Star Game is scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m. Japan time on the 16th, and NHK will broadcast it live on BS from 8:00 a.m.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto: I want to do my best so that people will remember my name. Dodgers pitcher Yamamoto, who was selected for his first All-Star game, said, Im just really happy, and as I meet the other players in the clubhouse, I really feel it—I feel very fortunate.

I want to do my best so that you’ll remember my name from now on, she said with a smile.

When asked about what surprised him after joining the Major Leagues, he mentioned the amount of practice the players do, saying, “For example, when I arrive at the stadium, a player like Betts is already drenched in sweat, having finished his batting practice, and pitchers who throw in the later innings are working out intensely. I was surprised by how much they practice.”

I was struck, or rather shocked, to realize that everyone isnt just relying on talent alone, he said, revealing that it has influenced his own approach to practice.

Yusei Kikuchi: Being able to come here again means a lot to me. Selected for his second All-Star Game in four years since 2021, pitcher Kikuchi said, Its a great honor, and its really fun to be able to talk with former teammates and various other players.

I’m deeply moved that I was able to come here again for a second time, and not just once. That means a lot to me.

He also talked about his current motivation at age 34, saying, More than anything, I want my son to see me as a Major Leaguer for as many years and days as possible.

And about how to set goals for the season, he said, ERA is a number that goes up and down, and if I focus on it, Ill get scared to take the mound and become too defensive.

There are many factors involved in wins, and I cant control them all myself.

I only set goals that can be added up, like the number of games pitched or innings thrown, he said, revealing his thoughts on taking the mound as one of the starting rotation pitchers.

When looking at the starting lineups for both teams in the All-Star Game by club, the American League has the most players from the Central Division-leading Tigers, with four including pitcher Skubal, while the National League has three players from the West Division-leading Dodgers, including Ohtani.

In the National League, Dodgers player Ohtani will bat first as the designated hitter, Freeman will bat fourth as the first baseman, and Will Smith will bat sixth as the catcher, all starting in the lineup.

Also, among the players selected for the first time, Cubs Crow-Armstrong will play right field and bat ninth.

In the American League, Yankees Judge will bat third and play right field, while Mariners Raleigh, who has hit a league-leading 38 home runs so far, will bat fourth and start as catcher.

Since the managers of both teams are chosen from the previous seasons league champions, the National League will be managed by Dodgers manager Roberts, and the American League will be managed by Yankees manager Boone.