Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) reacts after hitting a solo home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Angels phenom Shohei Ohtani first All-Star picked as pitcher, position player

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 7/5/21

Los Angeles Angels phenom Shohei Ohtani continues to make history this season.

The 27-year-old is the first player in the history of Major League Baseball's All-Star Game to be selected as both a position player and pitcher.

Ohtani was among the American League starting pitchers picked for the July 13 Midsummer Classic at Coors Field. Fans had already selected him to start as the American League's designated hitter.

Shohei Ohtani makes MLB history.

He became the first player to be named an All-Star pitcher and position player pic.twitter.com/2RRUIoisg6
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 4, 2021

Ohtani has arguably been the best player in baseball this season. He's hitting .278/.366/.704 with a league-leading 31 home runs and 67 RBI. On the mound, he's 3-1 with a 3.60 ERA and 83 strikeouts over 60 innings in 12 starts.

The native of Japan recently earned the praise of Angels manager Joe Maddon, who couldn't find the words to describe how good he has been this season.

"Maybe supercalifragilisticexpialidocious," Maddon said, according to ESPN. "Everytime he swings the bat it looks like it could be a home run. He has the patience to draw a walk and then is a really aggressive and astute base runner. And then he pitches. He's always prepared and under control. It's an All-Star performance above and beyond."

Ohtani is also set to compete in the Home Run Derby, and his participation in the events in Denver should draw in many spectators.

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