DENVER (AP) — Two of baseball’s biggest stars will be in the leadoff spots as the All-Star Game gets under way tonight in Denver.
Shohei Ohtani of the Angels will not only be the American League’s starting pitcher; he’ll be the first batter to face the National League’s Max Scherzer.
Fernando Tatis Jr. of the Padres will lead off for the National League. He’ll be followed by the Dodgers’ Max Muncy at designated hitter, and St. Louis third baseman Nolan Arenado. Traded by Colorado during the offseason, Arenado is likely to remain a fan favorite at Coors Field.
Toronto slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will bat second and play first base for the AL.
Ohtani will be the first two-way starter in the history of the All-Star Game, which began in 1933. Not even Babe Ruth did it, having last pitched regularly in 1919.