Two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani unleashes fastest pitch of career

Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter, made a triumphant return to the pitching mound on Saturday against the Kansas City Royals. Despite the Dodgers ultimately falling short in Saturday’s game, Ohtani showcased his pitching prowess by giving up just one hit over two innings, marking his longest pitching outing of the season.

This performance was particularly significant for Ohtani as he continues to ramp up his pitching activity following surgery on his elbow in 2023. One of the standout moments of the game was when Ohtani threw a pitch that reached an impressive speed of 101.7 mph, the fastest pitch he has ever thrown in his MLB career.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed his satisfaction with Ohtani’s performance, highlighting the positive strides he has made in his pitching development. Despite striking out three times as the leadoff batter in the Dodgers’ 9-5 loss, Ohtani’s return to the mound was a promising sign of his versatility as a two-way player.

Last season, Ohtani did not pitch as he focused on recovering from Tommy John surgery. However, in his previous stint with the Los Angeles Angels, he demonstrated his capabilities as a starting pitcher, boasting a 38-19 record with a 3.01 ERA over 86 starts.

During Saturday’s game, Ohtani displayed excellent command by throwing first-pitch strikes to all seven batters he faced and delivering 20 strikes out of 27 pitches. Reflecting on his performance, Ohtani expressed his contentment with his ability to attack the strike zone but acknowledged the need to fine-tune certain aspects of his pitching.

Despite the challenges he has faced in his pitching journey, Ohtani remains a dominant force at the plate, hitting 29 home runs this season as the Dodgers’ primary designated hitter. With his exceptional skills both on the mound and in the batter’s box, Ohtani continues to solidify his reputation as one of the most dynamic players in the MLB.

As Ohtani’s pitching prowess continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate his future performances on the mound. His return to pitching represents a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his unwavering determination and versatility as a top-tier athlete in Major League Baseball.