In his third mound start for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, Shohei Ohtani delivered the fastest pitch of his career at 101.7 mph. He pitched two efficient innings, allowing just one hit and one walk. This marked Ohtani’s first start of more than one inning this season as he gradually returns to pitching duties after sitting out the previous season due to Tommy John surgery. The versatile superstar, who is typically a designated hitter, threw first-pitch strikes to all seven batters he faced, tallying 27 pitches with 20 strikes. Ohtani began by giving up a single to Bobby Witt Jr. and walking Maikel Garcia before inducing a double play with a blazing 101.7 mph fastball. He proceeded to retire the side in order in the second inning, striking out rookie Jac Caglianone with an 89 mph slider. With 29 homers this season as Los Angeles’ primary designated hitter, Ohtani continues to make an impact on both sides of the game.
