Dave Roberts Faces Tough Choice for All-Star Game Pitcher: Yamamoto or Ohtani?

As the All-Star Game approaches, Dave Roberts is set to announce his choice for the National League’s starting pitcher on July 13. The decision weighs heavily on his mind, especially after Yoshinobu Yamamoto reminded everyone of his dominance on the mound during a stunning performance that saw him carry a no-hitter into the ninth inning. This isn’t the first time Yamamoto has dazzled; he achieved a similar feat last September and has continued to impress with his postseason prowess.

In the conversation about who deserves the start, Yamamoto’s case is compelling but may not be enough to overshadow the buzz surrounding Shohei Ohtani. The two-way superstar has been a force this season, with an earned run average that didn’t rise above 1.00 until June 10. Ohtani is not only vying for the Cy Young Award but also leads the National League in on-base-plus-slugging percentage, positioning him for yet another MVP award.

The question remains: who should take the mound for the National League? Ohtani certainly has the fanfare—he previously started as a pitcher in the 2021 All-Star Game and remains a fan favorite. If he doesn’t start as a pitcher, rules allow for him to pitch an inning after starting as designated hitter, should league officials choose to waive current regulations for the exhibition.

For Roberts and the Dodgers, having Ohtani pitch the first inning would align perfectly with his routine, allowing him to prepare adequately for both pitching and hitting. However, considering Ohtani’s focus on completing a full season as a pitcher for the first time since 2022, he might opt to skip pitching duties altogether this year.

Yet, Roberts has other strong candidates to consider. Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers has captured attention with his league-leading 1.34 ERA and electrifying 104-mph fastballs, showcased in a recent one-hit, 15-strikeout shutout performance. Imagining him throwing one inning at full throttle in the All-Star Game ignites excitement among fans.

Another worthy contender is Cristopher Sanchez of the Philadelphia Phillies, who has delivered an impressive 50⅔ consecutive scoreless innings this season—a feat not accomplished since 1988. With a 1.54 ERA, Sanchez, like Misiorowski, boasts a high wins above replacement (WAR), making him a safe pick for Roberts, especially as the home team ace.

However, Dodgers fans remember past decisions, such as when Matt Harvey started over Clayton Kershaw in 2013, a choice that has since been viewed with regret. This history adds pressure to Roberts as he contemplates his options.

Returning to Yamamoto, his consistency and excellence make him an obvious choice for high-stakes games. With only one outing this season allowing more than three earned runs and an impressive track record of pitching at least six innings in nearly all his starts, he has proven his reliability. His recent form, boasting a 1.01 ERA over his last five starts, has further solidified his standing. If he continues this performance, it may be difficult for Roberts to justify starting anyone else.

Ultimately, as Roberts weighs his options, he must consider: who would you trust to win Game 7? The answer may very well lie with the pitcher who has consistently delivered when it counts.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.