Shohei Ohtani became the first player elected to start at designated hitter in four straight All-Star Games, joined by New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge as the only holdovers from last year in the lineups announced on Wednesday for the July 16 game in Arlington, Texas.
The Philadelphia Phillies could have three of the four National League infielders after fans voted shortstop Trea Turner and third baseman Alec Bohm to start alongside first baseman Bryce Harper, whose status is uncertain because of a leg injury.
MLB said this is the first time each league has had no more than one player repeat as an elected starter since fan balloting resumed in 1970.
Photo: AP
Six teams have two starters each: Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was voted in alongside Judge, who gained his berth last week with Harper as the top vote-getters from each league in the first round of balloting.
The second round was from Sunday until Wednesday.
Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman and shortstop Gunnar Henderson were elected along with Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve and D.H. Yordan Alvarez; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez and outfielder Steven Kwan; San Diego Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar and Fernando Tatis Jr; and Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras and outfielder Christian Yelich.
Photo: AFP
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr and Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte also were voted in.
Philadelphia last had three elected infielders in 1982 with Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt and Manny Trillo. Harper went on the injured list on Friday last week because of a strained left hamstring, but could return ahead of the All-Star Game.
Ohtani is an All-Star for the fourth straight season.
He was an unprecedented two-way All-Star from 2021 to last year, but is not pitching this season while he recovers from reconstructive elbow surgery.
David Ortiz started at DH in three straight All-Star Games from 2011 to 2013.
On the field, it was:
‧ Athletics 5, Angels 0
‧ Blue Jays 2, Astros 9
‧ Braves 3, Giants 1
‧ Cubs 3, Phillies 5
‧ Dodgers 4, Diamondbacks 12
‧ Guardians 2, White Sox 8
‧ Mariners 1, Orioles 4
‧ Marlins 2, Red Sox 7
‧ Nationals 7, Mets 5
‧ Pirates 5, Cardinals 4 (10i)
‧ Rangers 4, Padres 6
‧ Rockies 0, Brewers 3
‧ Royals 4, Rays 2
‧ Twins 2, Tigers 9
‧ Yankees 2, Reds 3
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