Ohtani won't pitch in ASG; 'Legend Pick' Kershaw to pitch early in game
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SAN FRANCISCO -- Even before Shohei Ohtani was officially named a 2025 All-Star, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made it clear that the two-way superstar would not pitch in the Midsummer Classic.
Ohtani will be the National League's starting designated hitter on Tuesday in Atlanta, joined by catcher Will Smith and first baseman Freddie Freeman. Clayton Kershaw, who's at his 11th All-Star Game as a legacy selection, will pitch at some point early in the game, Roberts said, while Yoshinobu Yamamoto will not take the mound because he started Sunday's first-half finale at Oracle Park.
Serving as a multi-inning opener, Ohtani has made five starts for the Dodgers this season. He has held opponents to one run across nine innings (1.00 ERA) and struck out 10 against two walks.
As a hitter, Ohtani entered Sunday with a .988 OPS, which ranked third in the Majors behind Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh. Ohtani leads the NL with 32 homers.