Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; National League designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs to home plate to score a run during the first inning during the 2025 MLB All Star Game at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images Jul 15, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; National League designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) of the Los Angeles Dodgers runs to home plate to score a run during the first inning during the 2025 MLB All Star Game at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

2025 MLB All-Star Game A ‘Special Occasion’ For Shohei Ohtani

Originally posted on Dodger Blue | By Blake Williams | Last updated Jul 16, 2025 11:15 AM ET

Shohei Ohtani was one of five players to represent the Los Angeles Dodgers at the 2025 MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday in the National League’s historic win over the American League that saw the first ever Home Run Derby swing-off used.

Ohtani was joined by Freddie Freeman and Will Smith in the starting lineup, while Clayton Kershaw pitched the second inning. Yoshinobu Yamamoto was also in attendance, but did not pitch after throwing for the Dodgers on Sunday.

Between Freeman’s return to Atlanta, Kershaw joining the team as a “Legend Pick,” going with Yamamoto for the first time, and the NL winning, it became a Midsummer Classic to remember for Ohtani.

“It was a special All-Star in the sense that Kershaw pitched today, and obviously Freddie returning to Atlanta,” Ohtani said through his interpreter Will Ireton. “So in a sense, it was a special occasion for me.”

Ohtani also enjoyed the festivities over the few days and took it as an opportunity to meet players that he hasn’t before.

One viral moment happened when Ohtani was seen joking that his shoulder was in pain to San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez, who hit Ohtani with a 100 mph fastball on his shoulder the last time the two teams met.

“I had the opportunity to meet new faces and guys that I never really got to meet in person,” Ohtani said. “So it was enlightening to be able to see the person now face-to-face.”

Ohtani ended up singling in his first at-bat against Tarik Skubal and came around to score on a double from Ketel Marte. That was the first hit and run of the game for either side.

In the second inning, Ohtani grounded out against Carlos Rodón, which was his final at-bat before being replaced by Kyle Schwarber in the designated hitter spot.