Encore performance: Ohtani, Judge only repeat starters
NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani became the first player elected to start at designated hitter in four straight All-Star Games, joined by New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge as the only holdovers in the lineups announced Wednesday for the July 16 game at Arlington, Texas.
Philadelphia could have three of the four National League infielders after fans voted shortstop Trea Turner and third baseman Alec Bohm to start alongside first baseman Bryce Harper, whose status is uncertain because of a leg injury.
Major League Baseball said this is the first time each league has had no more than one player repeat as an elected starter since fan balloting resumed in 1970.
Six teams have two starters each:
Yankees outfielder Juan Soto was voted in alongside Judge, who gained his berth last week with Harper as the top vote-getters in the first round of balloting. The second round was from Sunday until Wednesday.
Philadelphia last had three elected infielders in 1982 with Pete Rose, Mike Schmidt and Manny Trillo. Harper went on the injured list on June 28 because of a strained left hamstring but could return ahead of the All-Star Game.
Also, Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. hasn't played since June 21 because of a stress reaction in his right thigh bone and may be sidelined past the All-Star break.
Pitchers and reserves will be announced Sunday.
Ohtani is an All-Star for the fourth straight season but first since leaving the Los Angeles Angels for a record $700 million, 10year contract with the Dodgers. He was an unprecedented two-way All-Star from 2021-23 but isn't pitching this season while he recovers from reconstructive elbow surgery.
BACK FOR MORE: Houston's Jose Altuve earned his ninth All-Star trip and sixth as a starter, Cleveland's José Ramírez his sixth selection and third as a starter and Toronto's Vladimir Guerrero Jr. his fourth overall and third as a starter.
FIRST-TIMERS: Bohm, Soto, Houston's Yordan Alvarez, Milwaukee's William Contreras, Baltimore's Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, Cleveland's Steven Kwan and San Diego's Jurickson Profar are first-time starters. Soto is making his fourth All-Star trip, his first for the AL.
