Shohei Ohtani and Ernie Clement named All-Star starters after topping fan voting

Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers) and Ernie Clement (Toronto Blue Jays) finished Phase 1 of the 2026 MLB All‑Star fan vote as the top vote‑getters in the National and American Leagues, respectively. Ohtani recorded 3,341,257 votes and will start as the designated hitter for the NL; he is batting .295 with a .963 OPS, 17 homers and 46 RBIs. Clement earned 3,232,932 votes, becoming the AL’s starting second baseman; he is hitting .292 with seven homers, an AL‑leading 20 doubles and 28 RBIs.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays have stumbled to a three‑game losing streak, dropping a 6‑5 game to the Texas Rangers after Kevin Gausman surrendered three homers in the first three innings. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continued his power drought, going hitless and striking out twice. The team fell to 39‑42 and remains in a four‑way tie for the AL wild‑card spot. In response, Toronto designated right‑hander Simeon Woods Richardson for assignment after only three appearances, recalling left‑hander Adam Macko to the bullpen. Manager John Schneider noted the “grind” the club faces and expressed confidence that the team can turn the corner.