Shohei Ohtani named two-way MLB All-Star for 3rd year in a row

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Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani has been named a two-way MLB All-Star for the third year in a row.

Key details: Ohtani, 28, was recently selected by his fellow MLB players as pitcher for the 2023 American League All-Star team. He will now notably serve as both a pitcher and a designated hitter, which fans previously voted him to play, alongside teammate Mike Trout during the upcoming All-Star game at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park on July 11.

What Ohtani said: In a statement released by the Angels on Monday, Ohtani said he was honored and aims to “give it my best in appreciation for those who selected me.”

History-making All-Star game: Ohtani made history during the MLB All-Star game in 2021 when he was named a two-way player, the first time a player played two roles in an MLB All-Star game.

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Later that year, the Angels two-way star won the American League's Most Valuable Player award.

What others are saying: Angels manager Phil Nevin shared that he is proud of Ohtani, saying, "He’s worked hard. He had some ups and downs on the mound this year. But he’s certainly been stable for us in the rotation. It’s obviously quite the honor. He was voted in as the DH and deservedly so. And to get in as a pitcher, too, it’s really cool. It’s a great honor."

Meanwhile, American League manager Dusty Baker of the Houston Astros praised Ohtani for being “very respectful,” telling ESPN that the Japanese-born MLB star “really handles the notoriety and the publicity with humility and greatness."

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