As if All-Star Week doesn’t promise enough firsts, we’re getting you started a little early this year.
Pretty cool, right? It’s also never happened before.
Despite the long list of Japanese-born pitchers who’ve played in the Majors — and the 30 previous instances of three starting on the same day — this is the first time in MLB history that four have lined up, per Opta Stats.
What’s more, all of these starts bear their own individual significance.
Darvish made his second start of the year after months spent recovering from right elbow inflammation. Ogasawara, the first Japanese-born player to suit up for the Nationals in 20 years, made the second start of his MLB career. Ohtani, a particular offensive menace to the Giants since signing with the Dodgers, made his first pitching appearance as part of the age-old rivalry. Finally, Kikuchi, having the most ordinary day of the group, wrapped up a truly impressive first half before heading off to his second career All-Star Game (and his first since 2021.)
