Shohei Ohtani achieves career-fastest pitch with Dodgers

In the United States, on June 28, 2025, Shohei Ohtani returned to pitching during a game for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Kansas City Royals. Ohtani made his third start this season on the mound after recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2023. Despite the Dodgers losing the game 9-5, Ohtani showcased his skills by giving up only one hit over two innings pitched. This performance marked his longest outing of the season and included throwing 27 pitches, of which 20 were strikes. Ohtani's standout moment occurred when he delivered a fastball that reached a speed of 101.7 mph, the fastest pitch of his MLB career, during an at-bat against Vinnie Pasquantino. This achievement not only signifies a personal best for Ohtani but also represents the Dodgers' fastest pitch of the season, demonstrating his ability to rebound strongly after previous injuries. In his first inning, Ohtani allowed a single to Bobby Witt Jr. and walked Maikel Garcia, but he effectively managed the Royals by inducing a double play. In the second inning, he retired the next three batters. Ohtani, who plays as both a designated hitter and pitcher and was a three-time MVP before joining the Dodgers, did not pitch during his debut season with the team last year. He had undergone Tommy John surgery that sidelined him, making his return to pitching significant for both his career and the team's aspirations. Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism regarding Ohtani's performance, noting the positive signs in his pitching velocity and control, indicating a promising recovery progression. Although the game ended in a defeat for the Dodgers, Ohtani's performance adds a silver lining to the match as he strives to reclaim his status as one of the MLB's top pitchers. He indicated satisfaction with his performance in terms of attacking the strike zone, emphasizing that he still has areas to improve. This return to form may lead to increased hopes from Dodgers fans for his contributions both on the mound and at the plate, where he has been a prolific power hitter with 29 home runs this season. As Ohtani continues to ramp up his pitching activity, further progress on the mound would likely enhance both his and the Dodgers' performances as the season continues.