Steve Webb
LOS ANGELES, CA — The lineups for the National and American League All-Stars were recently announced, featuring both new faces and familiar stars. The 94th Midsummer Classic will take place on July 16 at Globe Life Field in Texas. Among the notable selections is Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who continues to make history.
Shohei Ohtani: A Historic Achievement
Shohei Ohtani made history by winning fan balloting at designated hitter for the fourth consecutive season. This feat underscores his immense popularity and impact on the game. Although Ohtani will not be pitching in this year’s game as he did in 2021 and 2022, his performance as a hitter has been extraordinary. Ohtani leads the National League with 27 home runs and boasts a 1.043 OPS, solidifying his reputation as one of the most formidable hitters in baseball.
Ohtani’s Impact on the Dodgers
Ohtani’s contributions to the Dodgers have been crucial. His ability to dominate both as a pitcher and a hitter set him apart from his peers since he broke into the league with the Angels. Even though he won’t be pitching in the All-Star Game as he continues to rehab from offseason surgery, his presence in the lineup brings significant star power and excitement. Ohtani’s performance highlights the Dodgers’ strong roster and their potential to make a deep postseason run.
National League Lineup Highlights
Joining Ohtani in the National League lineup are several standout players. The Philadelphia Phillies have a strong presence with three starting infielders: Alec Bohm, Trea Turner, who edged out the injured Mookie Betts in the fan voting, and Bryce Harper. Harper, who received the most votes in the National League, will be making his eighth All-Star appearance. Bohm and Turner have both had impressive seasons, contributing to the Phillies’ success.
American League Lineup Highlights
The American League lineup features a mix of rising stars and established veterans. Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles will be starting at catcher, marking his first All-Star start. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays, despite a slow start to the season, has surged with a strong performance leading up to the break. Jose Altuve of the Houston Astros continues to defy age, earning his ninth All-Star selection.
Outfield Stars
The outfield for the American League includes Aaron Judge and Juan Soto of the New York Yankees, and Steven Kwan of the Cleveland Guardians. Judge leads all players with the most votes, showcasing his dominance with a Triple Crown-leading performance. Soto and Kwan have also been instrumental for their teams, with Soto’s power and Kwan’s consistent hitting making significant impacts.
In the National League, the outfield features Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers, Jurickson Profar of the San Diego Padres, and Fernando Tatis Jr. of the Padres. Yelich has returned to All-Star form with a strong on-base percentage and batting average, while Profar and Tatis bring versatility and power to the lineup. With Tatis currently nursing an injury, don’t be surprised if the Dodgers’ Teoscar Hernandez ends up with the starting nod this year. The full rosters will be announced on Sunday.
Conclusion
The 2024 MLB All-Star Game promises to be a showcase of baseball’s best talents, with Shohei Ohtani leading the charge for the National League. His historic achievement of winning fan balloting for four consecutive seasons underscores his global appeal and impact on the sport. Alongside other stars like Bryce Harper and Aaron Judge, Ohtani and the Dodgers are set to make this Midsummer Classic a memorable event.
