Dave Roberts Rules Out Ohtani as a Pitcher in the All-Star Game
DENVER – The National League manager for the All-Star Game has already ruled out a potential pitcher: Shohei Ohtani. Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts jokingly dismissed the idea of using Ohtani in the Summer Classic with a quick “no,” before Los Angeles began a three-game series against the Colorado Rockies. Roberts wasn’t as clear about when Ohtani might return to the mound. It could be Saturday in Kansas City against the Royals.In his last outing on Sunday, Ohtani threw 12 of 18 pitches for strikes against Washington, striking out two. His fastball reached 98.8 mph. On June 16 against San Diego, Ohtani made his first appearance as a pitcher in the Major Leagues since 2023. He threw 28 pitches in one inning, allowing two hits and one earned run. The three-time MVP didn’t pitch in 2024 while recovering from arm surgery during his first season after signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers. As a designated hitter, Ohtani led the National League in Phase 1 of fan voting through Monday for the July 15 All-Star Game in Atlanta. He began the night batting .291 with 26 home runs and 49 RBIs. That’s great. The fans love it. He’s the best player, and it will be exciting for the fans to see him in Atlanta.We’ll see. We’ll see. I have to make sure to keep it open.
Dave Roberts
Any chance of Ohtani participating in the Home Run Derby?
That’s a question for Shohei. I’m staying out of that.
Dave Roberts
Any chance of him batting first? “Yes”, said Roberts.
