Shohei Ohtani threw the fastest pitch of his major league career at 101.7 mph during his third mound start for the Los Angeles Dodgers, working two efficient innings and allowing just one hit and one walk against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.
Ohtani, who is easing back into pitching after a year off due to Tommy John surgery, showed signs of improvement in his second outing as an opener. He threw first-pitch strikes to all seven batters he faced, finishing with 27 pitches, 20 for strikes. Despite allowing a few hits and walks, Ohtani expressed satisfaction with his performance.
“It’s something I don’t think I would be able to do in a live BP setting,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “It’s nice to be able to hit this velo and see how my body reacts.”
In contrast to his previous fastest pitch of 102 mph, which he threw against Team Italy in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Ohtani allowed the Royals to reach base with a single and walk. However, he showed resilience by striking out rookie Jac Caglianone on an 89 mph slider.
Ohtani’s performance was praised by Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, who noted that his competitor still had some stress in his pitches. Despite this, Roberts is optimistic about Ohtani’s progress and hopes he will feel good coming out of the start.
The three-time MVP has been focused on his hitting and power production this season, and while he won’t participate in the Home Run Derby due to concerns over competing under current rules, he remains confident in his abilities.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/45604746/ohtani-uncorks-career-best-1017-mph-fastball-third-start