Angels News: Shohei Ohtani Batting 2nd in AL All-Star Lineup

The Japanese superstar makes his third consecutive start in the game.

All eyes will be on Shohei Ohtani once again as he takes center stage at the All-Star Game Tuesday night. 

Ohtani will be making his third consecutive start in the Midsummer Classic. For the first time in three years, Ohtani will not be leading off for the American League. 

AL manager Dusty Baker announced on Monday that the Japanese superstar will be the designated hitter and hit second.

pic.twitter.com/vwSqoqAiO0

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) July 10, 2023

In last year's All-Star Game in Los Angeles, Ohtani led off the game with a walk against Clayton Kershaw, and then was immediately picked off at first base.

Ohtani made news last week as he announced that he will not pitch in the exhibition game. Ohtani left his last start with a blister and has not taken the mound since the Fourth of July. 

Currently, Ohtani leads the AL in home runs and is third in strikeouts on the mound. 

Ohtani has pitched and hit in an All-Star Game before. At Coors Field, in 2021, the two-way player started the game for the AL and hit leadoff. 

In one inning of work, Ohtani retired Fernando Tatis Jr., Max Muncy and Nolan Arenado in order in 14 pitches. 

In this year's game, Ohtani will be the only position player to represent the Angels. Mike Trout was voted as a starter, but will miss the game because of a hand injury. 

Angels reliever, Carlos Estevez, should make an appearance for the AL after being a late addition to the team. 

Fans can check out Ohtani and Estevez in the All-Star Game Tuesday night at 5 p.m. on FOX.