Shohei Ohtani has been selected as the National League's starting designated hitter for the All-Star Game, adding another career first to his résumé.

The initial name on the National League's starting roster for the 2026 All-Star Game is set: Shohei Ohtani.

MLB Network officially announced today that Shohei Ohtani topped the league in the first phase of All-Star voting with 3,341,257 votes, earning the NL starting designated hitter role. This marks his sixth consecutive All-Star selection, adding another achievement to the career of this four-time unanimous MVP.

Since 2022, the top vote-getter from each league in the first phase automatically secures a starting spot. This time, Ohtani has become the overall vote leader for the first time in his career.

The All-Star Game will take place on July 14 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, with several Dodgers expected to appear. Manager Dave Roberts will lead the National League for the second straight year. Additionally, six Dodgers have advanced to the second phase of voting: catcher Will Smith, first baseman Freddie Freeman, third baseman Max Muncy, shortstop Mookie Betts, and outfielders Andy Pages and Teoscar Hernández.

The second phase of voting begins Monday at 9 a.m. Pacific Time and runs through Thursday at 9 a.m. Pacific. The final winners at each position, along with pitchers and reserves, will be announced on July 4.

Shohei Ohtani has long left behind memories of a slow start at the plate. As of before today's game, his .963 OPS ranks second among qualified NL hitters, with a slash line of .295/.414/.549. Although it took some time for his power to heat up, he still leads the Dodgers with 17 home runs.

Even more impressive than his hitting may be his performance on the mound. His ERA this season stands at just 1.58, second among all MLB pitchers with at least 50 innings pitched, trailing only Milwaukee's Jacob Misiorowski (1.45).

Being selected as the starting designated hitter does not guarantee Ohtani a spot as a pitcher in the All-Star Game. However, he could still earn a two-way ticket via player voting or a commissioner's office selection. During his tenure with the Angels from 2021 to 2023, he was chosen for three consecutive All-Star Games as both a designated hitter and a pitcher in the American League.