Shohei ohtani reached an electrifying milestone on the mound. The Dodgers’ two-way sensation unleashed his fastest MLB pitch ever, clocking an incredible 101.7 mph. This personal record highlights significant progress in his ongoing pitching rehabilitation. He continues building arm strength for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This appearance marked his longest outing this season.
His return to pitching duties is a major storyline. It follows his recovery from elbow surgery. Fans and the team alike are watching closely. Each appearance offers a glimpse of his unique talent returning.
The Record-Setting Outing
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, Shohei Ohtani took the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He faced the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. This outing was a key step in his recovery plan. It represented his longest appearance this season. Ohtani completed two full innings of work.
He faced seven batters during this stint. He demonstrated impressive command early on. Ohtani threw a first-pitch strike to every batter he encountered. He allowed just one hit over his two innings. This hit came on a single by Bobby Witt Jr. in the first inning. He also issued one walk to Maikel Garcia.
Overall, Ohtani threw 27 pitches. An impressive 20 of those pitches landed for strikes. While the Dodgers ultimately lost the game by a score of 9-5, ohtani’s performance on the mound provided significant positives.
The 101.7 MPH Milestone
During his second inning on the mound, Shohei Ohtani delivered a pitch that sent a jolt through the stadium radar gun. He unleashed a fastball clocked at an astounding 101.7 mph. This velocity represents the highest speed Ohtani has ever reached on a pitch in his entire Major League Baseball career. It surpassed his previous personal best.
The electric pitch came on an 0-2 count against Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. Pasquantino ultimately grounded into an inning-ending double play. This ended the inning on a strong note for Ohtani.
Ohtani later reflected on hitting this velocity. “It’s nice to be able to hit this velo,” he said through an interpreter. He added that it helps him “see how my body reacts.” He also noted this level of intensity isn’t possible in practice settings. “It’s something I don’t think I would be able to do in a live BP setting,” Ohtani explained. Hitting this speed in a game confirms his arm is regaining top-tier velocity.
Context: The Road Back to the Mound
Shohei Ohtani’s return to pitching is a carefully managed, multi-stage process. He underwent significant elbow surgery in 2023. Consequently, he did not pitch during the entire 2024 season. His appearances on the mound in 2025 are part of a deliberate, step-by-step plan.
The primary goal of these outings is to gradually increase his pitching workload. These starts are designed to rebuild arm strength. They also test the integrity and effectiveness of his recovery. Prior to Saturday’s game, he had been limited to just one inning in his appearances this season. The two-inning outing marked a crucial step forward in this progression. It showed confidence in his arm’s ability to handle increased stress.
The Los Angeles Dodgers organization is prioritizing Ohtani’s long-term health. This strategic approach aims to ensure he is fully recovered for the most critical part of the season: the postseason. While earlier reports based on initial cautious estimates suggested he might not face live hitters until later in the summer, these recent appearances demonstrate significant progress ahead of some previous timelines.
Roberts Praises Progress
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed clear optimism regarding Ohtani’s latest performance. He highlighted the positive development of completing two innings effectively. “Getting Shohei through two innings throwing the ball the way he did is certainly a positive,” Roberts stated.
The velocity reading particularly caught the manager’s attention. “I didn’t know it was 102 [mph]. I just saw 100,” Roberts commented, expressing surprise at the official 101.7 mph mark. He emphasized the importance of Ohtani’s post-outing recovery. Roberts added he would “keep my fingers crossed that he feels good coming out of today.” His comments underscore the cautious optimism surrounding Ohtani’s return.
Ohtani’s Take
Speaking through his interpreter, Shohei Ohtani shared his perspective on the outing. He expressed satisfaction with his ability to locate pitches effectively. “I’m happy that I was able to attack the zone,” Ohtani remarked, referring to throwing strikes.
While positive about the overall performance, he acknowledged room for continued improvement. “There’s some little things that I still need to work on,” he noted. Despite identifying minor points for refinement, Ohtani concluded on a highly positive note about the overall experience. “Overall I’m pretty happy,” he stated, indicating confidence in his progress.
Navigating Two-Way Demands
While Shohei Ohtani’s pitching progress captures significant attention, his performance as a hitter remains consistently elite. In the same game against the Royals where he pitched, Ohtani served as the Dodgers’ designated hitter. Batting leadoff, he experienced a rare off-night at the plate.
He struck out three times in the Dodgers’ 9-5 loss to Kansas City. However, this single game doesn’t reflect his dominant hitting season. The 30-year-old slugger has been the primary designated hitter for Los Angeles throughout 2025.
He has already launched an impressive 29 home runs this season. This showcases his continued, impactful presence in the batter’s box. His ability to maintain such high offensive production while simultaneously rehabbing his arm is remarkable. It highlights the unique demands of his two-way status.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
Shohei Ohtani’s two-inning outing, featuring a career-best velocity, is a clear indicator of his pitching rehab advancing successfully. The plan likely involves a continued, gradual increase in workload in future appearances. This measured approach aims to build endurance safely.
The ultimate goal is preparing him to potentially contribute on the mound during the critical postseason run. The Dodgers organization remains firmly committed to this deliberate pace. Their significant team depth, particularly in the rotation, allows for this patient approach. Strong performances from pitchers like Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dustin May, and Roki Sasaki provide support.
Injuries to other key pitchers earlier in the season, such as Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell, further underscore the team’s need for healthy arms in October. By carefully managing Ohtani’s return, the Dodgers hope to unlock his full two-way potential when it matters most for their championship aspirations. Future outings will likely see his pitch count and innings increase gradually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the speed of Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting pitch?
In his June 28, 2025, pitching appearance against the Kansas City Royals, Shohei Ohtani threw a fastball that registered 101.7 mph. This velocity mark set a new personal record for Ohtani. It is the fastest pitch he has thrown in his Major League Baseball career. This happened during the second inning of his outing.
Why is Shohei Ohtani currently pitching limited innings?
Shohei Ohtani is currently pitching limited innings as part of his ongoing rehabilitation from elbow surgery he underwent in 2023. He did not pitch at all in 2024 while recovering. His appearances in 2025 are carefully managed outings designed to gradually increase his arm strength and workload safely. This approach allows him to build up endurance and test his recovery progressively before returning to a potential full starter role.
How has Shohei Ohtani performed as a hitter this season?
Despite focusing on his pitching rehab, Shohei Ohtani has continued to perform exceptionally well as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ primary designated hitter this season. As of his June 28th pitching appearance, the 30-year-old slugger has already hit 29 home runs. While he struck out three times in the specific game where he pitched, his overall hitting statistics for the season remain elite, showcasing his continued impact at the plate.
Conclusion
Shohei Ohtani’s latest pitching appearance marked a significant benchmark in his recovery journey. Hitting a personal-best 101.7 mph demonstrates his arm strength is returning effectively after surgery. While still in the process of ramping up his workload, this two-inning outing offers an exciting glimpse of the electric stuff he can bring to the mound.
Coupled with his continued elite performance as a designated hitter, Ohtani reinforces his unique value as baseball’s premier two-way star. The Dodgers will continue to carefully manage his pitching return, prioritizing his health for the stretch run. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing him contribute more fully on the mound. This continued progress is vital for the team’s postseason aspirations.
