DETROIT -- Manager Mike Scioscia spoke before Wednesday night's game against the Tigers about the MLB All-Star Game and how he sees some of his players potentially fitting into the American League's team.
The Angels have nine players on the ballot this season. Scioscia said he hadn't seen the ballot yet, but he did speak specifically about Shohei Ohtani and Andrelton Simmons.
"[Ohtani] is a special player," Scioscia said. "There's no doubt that he's contributing to our team at a high level."
• 2018 Camping World MLB All-Star Ballot
Though Ohtani has pitched and hit his way to fame during his rookie season, Scioscia said there are few sure things when it comes to the Midsummer Classic.
"I know it would be a great honor for a lot of guys on our team who are having great years, and certainly Shohei is one of them."

Ohtani is in a unique situation because he could be voted in by fans as a designated hitter or be taken as a pitcher through player ballot choices and selections made by the Commissioner's Office.
Scioscia said he hopes the All-Star break will someday be expanded to five or six days, which would help every player, but especially pitchers.
"I think you allow the opportunity for more guys to pitch and pitch a little bit longer," he said. "It gives the regulars a chance to play and still have their time to freshen up. I don't know if that's ever gonna be functional or not, but most guys, if they're available, they want to go and perform."
Speaking about Simmons, Scioscia said some adjustments at the plate this season have helped him succeed and gain recognition.
"Whether he gets picked or not, he's an All-Star," Scioscia said. "I think he's been an All-Star for a number of years."
Scioscia updates on Shoemaker
Matthew Shoemaker, who had forearm surgery on Tuesday, doesn't have a clear timetable for a return.
"We're going to have to play this one by ear," Scioscia said. "They found something that they feel was the cause of what he was feeling, which is a positive."
Shoemaker made one start for the Angels this season, a win on March 31 during which he pitched 5 2/3 innings and scattered four hits.
This is the third piece of the Angels' rotation that has been lost, as JC Ramirez and Blake Wood had Tommy John surgery and are out for the season.
Quick hits
Zack Cozart was out of Wednesday's lineup against the Tigers due to left forearm tightness.