NEW YORK -- Pitchers Yu Darvish of the San Diego Padres and Yusei Kikuchi of the Seattle Mariners will join compatriot Shohei Ohtani at the major league All-Star Game after they were named to their respective league rosters on Sunday.
Veteran right-hander Darvish was selected in the players' poll to be added to the National League team for the game to be played July 13 in Denver. It will be his first All-Star Game in four years and fifth overall in his nine-year major league career.
Darvish has compiled a 7-3 record in 17 starts with a 2.65 earned run average this season, his first with the Padres.
"I've had some down periods since my last selection, but to be able to go to the All-Star Game again at the age of 35, I'm very happy and honored," Darvish said through an interpreter at a press conference.
Kikuchi made his first All-Star Game as a Commissioner's Office selection in his third season, all with the Mariners, and will join the Los Angeles Angels' Ohtani on the AL roster. The left-hander is currently 6-3 in 15 starts with a 3.18 ERA.
"I'm really happy," Kikuchi said. "I am glad to become a member in the highest-level league in the world."
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
