Shohei Otani struck out 12 batters over seven innings on July 2 and fanned 16 in a complete-game effort in his next start July 9. He was in the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters' starting lineup twice in the days between those outings on the mound and hit two home runs during a July 5 contest against the Chiba Lotte Marines.
He'll be at the NPB All-Star Series as a pitcher for the first time later this week. This coming a year after being an All-Star as a batter during his rookie season.
People are starting to take notice as well. His outings are becoming appointment viewing in Japan, while former Fighters manager Trey Hillman, who now works with the New York Yankees, was spotted at Otani's most recent start.