MLB: Shohei Ohtani to enter home circuit contest on July 12

ANAHEIM, Calif. –Shohei Ohtani will be competing in the Major League Baseball Home Tour on July 12 at Coors Field the day before the All-Star Game.

Star of the Los Angeles Angels, he will be the first Japanese to take part in this long ball festival.

« I’ve always wanted to see a Japanese player at the derby, » Ohtani said with the help of an interpreter on Friday. It falls on me, so it’s very exciting. « 

The 26-year-old outfielder, hitter of choice and pitcher has 19 home runs this season – three short of majors Vladimir Guerrero and Fernando Tatis, heading into Friday’s games.

Ohtani is hitting for .270 with 47 RBIs in 64 games. He’s 3-1 and 2.70 GAA in 10 starts.

Ohtani won the Japan circuit competition in 2016; that year, he was also the second MVP in the second of Japan’s two All-Star games.