Shohei ohtani is back on the mound, and he’s throwing harder than ever in a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform. In his third pitching start of the season against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, the two-way superstar unleashed a fastball clocked at an electrifying 101.7 mph. This isn’t just a high number; it marks the fastest pitch Ohtani has ever thrown in a Major League Baseball regular season game, signaling significant progress in his return from a second Tommy John surgery. While the Dodgers ultimately fell to the Royals 9-5, ohtani’s performance offered a major bright spot and a glimpse of the dominant pitcher he aims to be for the team.
Ohtani’s Dominant Return to the Mound
Facing the Royals in Kansas City, Ohtani took the mound with a limited workload plan, designed to ease him back into pitching after his September 2023 elbow surgery. He quickly encountered a brief challenge in the first inning. After retiring the first batter, he gave up a sharp single to Bobby Witt Jr., followed by a five-pitch walk to Maikel Garcia, putting two runners aboard. Ohtani showed a moment of frustration, receiving the ball with a stoic expression, seemingly displeased with his execution.
But then, the power arrived. With runners on base and Vinnie Pasquantino stepping to the plate, Ohtani shifted gears. He delivered a 99.2 mph fastball for strike one, followed by a 100.2 mph heater for strike two. The culminating pitch was the 101.7 mph scorcher. Pasquantino swung helplessly, grounding the ball into a perfectly executed double play to end the inning. This critical pitch, the hardest of his MLB career, came against the same batter he threw his only faster pitch to – a 102 mph heater during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Ohtani expressed satisfaction after the outing. “Overall, I was happy with the fact that I was able to attack the zone,” he stated through his interpreter. He acknowledged areas for improvement but added, “Overall, pretty happy.”
A Step Forward in Ohtani’s Buildup
This start marked an increase in Ohtani’s pitching volume for the season. After throwing one inning in each of his first two starts since returning, the plan against the Royals was to extend him into the second. He achieved this goal efficiently. Across his two shutout innings, Ohtani threw 27 pitches, with an impressive 20 landing for strikes. He allowed just one hit and one walk, registering one strikeout against Jac Caglianone with a mix of a 100 mph fastball and a sharp slider. He generated three swings-and-misses total.
Through his limited four innings pitched this season, Ohtani has surrendered only one run and three hits, consistently hitting triple digits with his fastball. This early success is a positive sign for the Dodgers and Ohtani himself. He feels his recovery from the second Tommy John surgery has gone smoother than the first, noting his doctor’s confidence in his return to “full form.” Hitting 101.7 mph was a physical confirmation. “It’s nice to be able to hit that velo and see how my body reacts,” he commented. Despite the promising velocity and results, Ohtani remains focused on refining his mechanics, viewing his pitching as “still a work in progress.”
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts echoed the positive sentiment. “Throwing the baseball the way he did [was] certainly a positive,” Roberts said. He was encouraged by Ohtani’s control and ability to touch triple digits consistently. The team plans a gradual buildup, uncertain when Ohtani might be stretched out for longer starts.
Dodgers Struggles Overshadow Ohtani’s Brilliance
Despite Ohtani’s strong performance, the team result was a loss. The 9-5 defeat to the Royals ended the Dodgers’ five-game winning streak. Several factors contributed to the struggles after Ohtani exited the game.
Bulk reliever Ben Casparius took over and had a tough outing. Reportedly battling an illness in the muggy Kansas City heat, Casparius surrendered six runs over four innings. This performance pushed his ERA in his three piggyback appearances with Ohtani to a high 7.82. He stated he wasn’t executing pitches sharply but didn’t blame the piggyback role itself.
Defensive lapses also hurt the Dodgers. In the third inning, Teoscar Hernández couldn’t get to a flare in right field with two outs, extending the inning. This error directly preceded a two-run double by Maikel Garcia. Later, in the fifth inning, Andy Pages booted a ball in center field during a four-run rally for the Royals. That rally was capped by a three-run, two-out homer from Vinnie Pasquantino to center. Roberts acknowledged that the team’s outfield construction lacks speed, a factor they anticipated when building the roster, accepting the potential defensive cost.
The Dodgers offense also struggled to find its rhythm against Royals pitcher Seth Lugo. They stranded all nine runners who reached base against him via hits or walks, striking out eight times. While Freddie Freeman had a good day at the plate, going three for three with two walks and hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning, his efforts weren’t enough to close the deficit.
Updates from the Dodgers Pitching Staff
The article also provided updates on other injured pitchers the Dodgers hope to get back. Tyler Glasnow’s return from a shoulder issue hit a snag in his second rehab start. He lasted only 2 ⅓ innings, giving up five runs, well short of the four-inning goal. Roberts expects Glasnow will need at least two more rehab appearances. Emmet Sheehan, who recently returned from Tommy John surgery with a solid major league start before being optioned to Triple-A, will have another buildup start in Oklahoma City despite a recent perfect six-inning outing with 13 strikeouts. He remains a candidate to return soon. Blake Snell (shoulder) and Blake Treinen (forearm) are progressing well, throwing bullpen sessions and nearing live batting practice against hitters. Roki Sasaki (shoulder) is also reportedly feeling “really good” and playing catch almost two months into his IL stint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Shohei Ohtani’s fastest pitch in the recent game against the Royals?
In his start on June 28, 2025, against the Kansas City Royals, Shohei Ohtani threw a fastball recorded at 101.7 mph. This pitch is the fastest he has thrown in a Major League Baseball regular season game during his career with either the Angels or the Dodgers.
How is Shohei Ohtani’s pitching workload being managed this season?
Shohei Ohtani is returning to pitching after a second Tommy John surgery and his workload is being carefully managed. His first two starts this season were limited to one inning each. His third start against the Royals was planned to extend into the second inning, which he successfully completed, throwing 27 pitches over two innings. The team plans a gradual buildup, not yet certain when he might pitch longer outings.
What were the main reasons for the Dodgers’ loss despite Ohtani’s strong start?
Despite Shohei Ohtani’s effective two-inning performance, the Dodgers lost the game 9-5 due to struggles from the bullpen, defense, and offense. Relief pitcher Ben Casparius gave up six runs over four innings. Defensive errors by Teoscar Hernández and Andy Pages extended innings and contributed to Royals’ rallies. The offense also struggled against Royals pitcher Seth Lugo, stranding nine runners and striking out frequently.
In conclusion, while the team outcome wasn’t favorable, Shohei Ohtani’s third pitching start of the season was a significant positive step. His ability to hit elite velocity like 101.7 mph while effectively navigating innings and building up his workload is highly promising. As he continues his recovery and mechanical adjustments, his potential impact on the Dodgers’ pitching staff in the second half of the season remains a key storyline to watch. However, the game also highlighted areas the team needs to improve, including bullpen depth, defensive consistency, and offensive execution, to support their returning ace.
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