What happened: Shohei Ohtani will start at designated hitter in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game. Drake Baldwin, Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Max Muncy, Juan Soto, Brandon Marsh and Andy Pages also earned National League starting assignments.
Why it matters: The selections give Drake Baldwin, Marsh and Pages their first All-Star appearances. Freeman earned his 10th selection, while Ohtani received his sixth.
By the numbers: Baldwin has 14 home runs and a .778 OPS after missing about a month with a right oblique strain. Marsh is batting .315 with an .871 OPS and 15 homers, while Pages has 16 homers and an .808 OPS. Ohtani owns a .927 OPS with 18 home runs.
What to watch: The starters are set to represent the National League on July 14. Lineup order and player availability remain to be finalized.