Japanese Major League Baseball star Ohtani Shohei has expressed enthusiasm for playing in the MLB All-Star Game for the fourth consecutive year.
This year's game will take place on Tuesday at the Rangers' home stadium in Arlington, Texas.
The starting lineups for the two teams were announced on Monday. Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers will be the designated hitter, batting second for the National League.
Speaking to reporters in his uniform, Ohtani said the All-Star Game has such a wonderful atmosphere that no matter how many times he comes, he always wants to come again. He added that he will feel the same even if he participates 10 or 15 times.
Ohtani, who was selected through fan voting, got a hit in the 2022 All-Star Game, but has never hit a home run.
He said he wants to play well in this year's game.
The starting pitcher for the American League will be Corbin Burnes of the Baltimore Orioles. He has nine wins so far with a 2.43 earned run average, the second best in the league.
Ohtani said all of the pitchers are excellent, and he looks forward to facing them.
During the first half of this season, Ohtani hit 29 home runs, the highest in the National League.
Asked about his performance so far, Ohtani said the rehabilitation process after elbow surgery is going smoothly, and more than his batting results, he is happy about being able to play in so many games while focusing on recovery.
He has played in 94 out of 97 games this season.
The two-way sensation underwent elbow surgery last year. He is only playing as a batter this season.