“It’s a great honor for both of them,” Angels interim manager Phil Nevin said. “It’s a credit to them as teammates and players. For me, I’m going to see the All-Star Game a little differently, watching my guys. I hope we get one or two more.” Ohtani, the reigning AL MVP, had a memorable All-Star experience last year when he participated in the Home Run Derby, started the game on the mound and served as the leadoff hitter in a 5-2 AL victory at Coors Field. He remains a candidate to pitch the first inning for the second straight year, but other options could include Houston’s Justin Verlander or Tampa Bay’s Shane McClanahan. “I had a lot of fun last year, but I’m trying to have more fun this year,” Ohtani said through interpreter Ippei Mizuhara. “Honestly I feel very honored and very grateful for the fans who voted for me. I think it will give me more motivation to play better.” Ohtani, 28, has put together another incredible season both at the plate and on the mound. He entered Friday hitting .257/.343/.490 with 18 homers, 15 doubles, 10 stolen bases and 53 RBIs in 81 games while also going 8-4 with a 2.44 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 81 innings. He’s been on a tear recently, going 5-0 with a 0.27 ERA over his last five starts with seven homers as a starter in that span. “Once again, what he’s doing this year, we’ve never seen anything like it,” Trout said. “I’m happy he made the team. I’m excited for him.” Trout, meanwhile, will be participating in his first All-Star Game since 2019, as the 2020 Midsummer Classic was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and he missed last year’s edition with a right calf strain. Trout was selected as a starter every year from 2013-19 and again last year and this year. “It’s special,” Trout said. “It means a lot. Obviously, it’s a fan vote, so it’s a special honor. It’s a fun couple of days. And it’s in Los Angeles, so it’s not too far from my home. It’s really cool. I love being at this club . You can’t take that for granted. They’re the best of the best.” Trout, 30, is having another strong year despite a recent slump, entering Friday’s action hitting .265/.367/.601 with 23 homers, 17 doubles and 48 RBIs in 75 games. He said he’s grateful the fans have recognized him as a starter again and is enjoying the experience. He was the All-Star Game MVP in both 2014 and ’15. “I always like to go,” Trout said. “It’s been a fun few days. It’s fun for the fans. They can see their favorite players. I really enjoy it. I have missed it. I’m glad I’m healthy this year. In recent years, the injury has been difficult for me mentally and physically. But this year I managed to be out there.” Trout is the first player voted by the fans to start nine consecutive All-Star Games since Alex Rodriguez (2000-08) and only the eighth player in AL history to earn nine fan selections with one organization while a member by Cal Ripken. Jr., George Brett, Ken Griffey Jr., Rod Carew, Derek Jeter, Ichiro Suzuki and Iván Rodríguez. Another reason Trout’s 10th trip to the All-Star Game will be special: He’ll be able to bring his son, Beckham, for the first time. Beckham turns 2 on July 30, and Trout said it worked out well that the game will be held just 30 miles north of Anaheim at Dodger Stadium. “Beckham is going to come, so it’s going to be special,” Trout said. “I brought my nephew to Derby two years ago. So it’s going to be a special moment for me, for the first time, to be able to bring my son to the All-Star Game.” The All-Star reserves will be announced Sunday at 2:30 p.m. PT on ESPN. Information on MLB All-Star Week can be found at AllStarGame.com and on social media @MLB. MLB Network, MLB.com and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage.
