Shohei ohtani continues to impress on his journey back to the pitcher’s mound. The Los Angeles Dodgers superstar recently unleashed the fastest pitch of his major league career. He clocked a scorching 101.7 mph fastball. This high-velocity moment came during his third pitching appearance of the season. It marked a significant step in his return from surgery.
This powerful pitch demonstrated ohtani’s recovering arm strength. It happened on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals. While the Dodgers ultimately lost the game 9-5, Ohtani’s performance on the mound offered a major positive. He efficiently worked through two innings as an opener. This role allows him to ease back into pitching duties.
Unleashing Raw Velocity on the Mound
The highlight pitch occurred in the first inning. Ohtani faced Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino. With an 0-2 count, Ohtani threw the 101.7 mph heater. It was a powerful display of velocity. Pasquantino grounded into a double play on the pitch. This ended the inning effectively.
Ohtani’s previous fastest MLB pitch was slightly lower. This 101.7 mph throw set a new personal best in the majors. However, it wasn’t his fastest ever pitch in competitive baseball. He famously hit 102 mph pitching for Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. That pitch also happened to be against Vinnie Pasquantino. Pasquantino humorously noted this recurring theme. He told MLB.com about Ohtani’s tendency to throw him his hardest pitches. “He keeps doing that to me,” Pasquantino was quoted saying. He recalled the 102 mph pitch in Japan. He was surprised to face another top-velocity pitch from Ohtani. Pasquantino added that Ohtani doesn’t throw that many fastballs relative to his full arsenal. This makes facing his absolute fastest pitches even more notable.
Analyzing Ohtani’s Pitching Outing
This appearance was Ohtani’s first this season extending beyond a single inning. He pitched two full frames. He allowed just one hit and one walk. He faced seven total batters during his outing. Ohtani demonstrated excellent command early. He threw first-pitch strikes to all seven hitters. This aggressive approach is often a sign of confidence. He finished his brief start having thrown just 27 pitches. An impressive 20 of those were strikes. This efficiency is crucial for building innings counts later on.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed satisfaction with the outing. Getting Ohtani through two innings was the primary goal. Roberts was impressed by Ohtani’s stuff. He admitted he didn’t realize Ohtani hit 101.7 mph initially. He only saw it hit 100 mph. Roberts added a note of caution. He said he was keeping his fingers crossed. He wants to ensure Ohtani feels good physically after the start. This highlights the careful management of his recovery.
The Two-Way Dynamic and Game Context
While Ohtani’s pitching was a bright spot, his hitting in the same game wasn’t as successful. Serving as the Dodgers’ leadoff hitter, he went 0-for-4. He also struck out three times. This illustrates the challenges of managing both roles. However, his overall hitting performance remains elite this season.
Just the day before, in Friday’s game against the Royals, Ohtani showcased his hitting power. He blasted his 29th home run of the season. He also added an RBI triple in the Dodgers’ 5-4 victory. This contrast highlights his significant impact on both sides of the ball across the series. The Saturday loss saw the Royals end an 11-game home losing streak. Vinnie Pasquantino had a huge game for Kansas City. He hit a home run and a double. He also drove in a career-high tying five runs. This provides context for the game’s outcome beyond Ohtani’s pitching.
The Los Angeles Dodgers currently hold a strong record. They are 52-32. This places them first in the NL West standings. As a team, they lead MLB in key offensive categories. This includes Batting Average, On-Base Percentage, and Slugging Percentage. Ohtani is a major contributor to these stats. He leads the team in home runs (29). He is second in RBIs (54), just behind Andy Pages (55).
Navigating the Road Back
Ohtani did not pitch during the entire 2023 season. This was his first year with the Dodgers. He was recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. This surgery is common for pitchers. It rebuilds a damaged elbow ligament. His return to the mound has been highly anticipated. He previously made 86 starts over five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. He posted a 38-19 record with a 3.01 ERA there. His current outings are part of a deliberate plan. They aim to gradually increase his workload and test his arm strength.
Ohtani shared his thoughts on his recent pitching outing. He was pleased with his ability to consistently attack the strike zone. He acknowledged there are still “little things” needing improvement. However, he felt generally happy with his performance. He specifically commented on hitting triple digits again. Ohtani stated that testing his velocity in a live game feels different than practice. It allows him to see how his body responds under competitive stress. Roberts also commented on Ohtani’s competitive nature. He suggested the stress of the game helps unlock that top-end velocity. Seeing “triple digits” again was a positive sign to the manager.
Looking Ahead: Pitching Progression and HR Derby
The focus for Ohtani now shifts to continued pitching progression. The specific plan for his future outings remains to be seen. However, this multi-inning appearance is a positive indicator. It suggests he is getting closer to a more regular pitching role. The cautious approach from the Dodgers is expected. They want to ensure his long-term health and effectiveness.
Away from the mound, Ohtani recently confirmed he will not participate in the 2025 Home Run Derby. The event is scheduled for July 14. Ohtani, who last competed in the Derby in 2021, cited the current rules. He doesn’t believe they make it “feasible” for him to compete well. This decision allows him to focus on his primary roles. He can prioritize his hitting performance and his carefully managed pitching return.
Overall, Ohtani’s ability to hit 101.7 mph post-surgery is a major milestone. It underscores his incredible talent and recovery progress. His two-inning outing was a crucial step. Fans and the Dodgers organization will watch closely. They anticipate his continued development back into a premier two-way player.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Shohei Ohtani’s fastest recorded pitch velocity?
In his third pitching start for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday, Shohei Ohtani threw a fastball recorded at 101.7 mph. This velocity represents his fastest pitch ever recorded in a Major League Baseball game. While it’s his MLB career best, his absolute fastest competitive pitch was 102 mph, thrown while representing Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
How is Shohei Ohtani easing back into pitching for the Dodgers?
Shohei Ohtani is returning to pitching this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. His current role involves serving as an “opener.” This means he pitches the first one or two innings of a game. His recent outing was his first of the season where he pitched more than one inning, completing two frames. This strategy allows him to gradually build arm strength and endurance.
Why isn’t Shohei Ohtani participating in the 2025 Home Run Derby?
Shohei Ohtani has announced he will not compete in the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby. This decision is due to the event’s current rules format. Ohtani feels the rules make it challenging for him to compete effectively. He previously participated in the Home Run Derby in 2021. Opting out allows him to focus his energy on hitting during games and managing his workload as he returns to pitching.
