Ohtani named NL All-Star starter at DH, checks off another first in the process
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LOS ANGELES -- The first player has been penciled into the National League's starting lineup for the 2026 All-Star Game: Shohei Ohtani.
Ohtani was elected as the NL's starting designated hitter after leading the Majors with 3,341,257 votes after Phase 1 of All-Star voting, it was announced on MLB Network on Thursday. This will mark the sixth straight All-Star appearance for the four-time unanimous MVP.
Since 2022, the top vote-getters in each league after Phase 1 have received an automatic spot in their team's starting lineup. This is the first time that Ohtani has been the top overall vote-getter.
Ohtani figures to be one of many Dodgers descending upon Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia for the All-Star Game on July 14. Manager Dave Roberts will be at the helm of the NL squad for the second straight year, and six Dodgers advanced to Phase 2: catcher Will Smith, first baseman Freddie Freeman, third baseman Max Muncy, shortstop Mookie Betts and outfielders Andy Pages and Teoscar Hernández.
Phase 2 voting opens on Monday at 9 a.m. PT and runs through 9 a.m. PT next Thursday. The winners at each position, as well as the pitchers and reserves, will be announced on July 4 on FOX.
Ohtani has left all memories of his slow start at the plate in the past and is second among qualified NL hitters with a .963 OPS entering play Thursday. He's slashing .295/.414/.549, and while it took him some time to find his power stroke, he leads the Dodgers with 17 homers.
As impressive as he's been as a hitter, Ohtani has arguably been even more impactful as a pitcher this season. His 1.58 ERA is the second-lowest among Major Leaguers who have pitched at least 50 innings this season, behind only the Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski (1.45).
Ohtani's starting DH nod does not guarantee him a spot as a pitcher on the All-Star team, but he could get a two-way nod via the Player Ballot or Commissioner's Office selections. He was elected to the AL All-Star team as both a DH and a pitcher in three straight years from 2021-23 while with the Angels.