Ohtani Achieves Record 101.7 MPH Fastball in Third Start

Shohei Ohtani, widely seen as one of baseball’s modern marvels, made headlines again during his third start of the season for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

After missing a full season as a pitcher because of Tommy John surgery, Ohtani fired a career-best 101.7 mph fastball. That pitch really hammered home his status as a two-way superstar.

The Dodgers lost to the Kansas City Royals 9–5, but Ohtani’s electrifying moment and his steady return to form are still the talk of the MLB world.

Shohei Ohtani Sets Personal Pitching Milestone

Ohtani’s explosive fastball on an 0-2 count to Vinnie Pasquantino wasn’t just another pitch. Clocked at 101.7 mph, it set a new personal record for Ohtani in MLB—a wild demonstration of his recovery and how close he’s getting to his best again.

Pitching as the Dodgers’ opener, Ohtani worked two efficient innings. He allowed just one hit and one walk.

If this outing is any hint of what’s coming, fans can exhale a bit. The ace looks healthy and capable after a long, tough recovery.

Efficient Mound Work Amid Injury Comeback

Returning from Tommy John surgery is brutal, but Ohtani’s poise on the mound says a lot about his drive. His command looked sharp—he delivered first-pitch strikes to all seven batters and threw 20 strikes out of 27 pitches.

As he keeps easing back into full-time pitching, each start feels like another reassuring step forward.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised the 30-year-old star and pointed out the positive signs in his recovery. With Ohtani’s mix of elite velocity and accuracy, Roberts and the Dodgers have plenty of reasons to feel hopeful about his long-term impact in their rotation.

A Tale of Two Performances: Dominant Pitching, Struggling Offense

Even with his brilliance on the mound, Ohtani struggled at the plate. He went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts—pretty unusual for a guy who’s mostly thrived as a hitter this season.

With 29 home runs so far, Ohtani’s been a force offensively, but this game was a rare reminder that even he’s human. Managing both pitching and hitting is no joke.

Ohtani said he felt good about attacking the strike zone. Still, he admitted there’s more to work on, especially as he adjusts to the nonstop demands of being a two-way player.

Dodgers Fall Short Despite Ohtani’s Milestone

Ohtani’s performance on the mound just wasn’t enough to get the win for the Dodgers. Kansas City took advantage of L.A.’s mistakes and handed them a tough 9–5 loss.

As the Dodgers chase a playoff spot, figuring out how to balance Ohtani’s workload without losing his offensive punch will matter more than ever.

No Home Run Derby for Ohtani

Ohtani’s at the top of MLB’s elite, but fans hoping to watch him in the upcoming Home Run Derby are out of luck. He confirmed he won’t take part this season, saying he’s not happy with the current rules.

Some think he’s also looking to save energy as he recovers and faces a heavy workload. Either way, it shows he’s thinking long-term, putting the Dodgers’ playoff push ahead of individual contests.

Why Ohtani’s Return Matters

Shohei Ohtani’s journey back to pitching dominance shows off his work ethic and rare talent. Honestly, hardly anyone in baseball history has pulled off being both a top pitcher and hitter at this level.

The 101.7 mph fastball he fired this week really highlights how he can change a game in so many ways. Whether he’s crushing home runs or blowing hitters away with pure speed, Ohtani’s a once-in-a-generation player who’s making MLB history in real time.

Final Thoughts

Shohei Ohtani’s record-setting fastball isn’t just some isolated flash of brilliance. For Dodgers fans, it’s a shot of hope and a sign that one of baseball’s most electrifying players is really back to full speed.

Balancing pitching and hitting duties brings its own set of headaches. Still, Ohtani keeps grinding, and his commitment to getting better honestly inspires awe around the league.

As the Dodgers push through the rest of the season, Ohtani’s role feels absolutely essential on both sides of the plate. Whether he’s lighting up the radar gun or sending balls over the fence, he’s at the heart of one of baseball’s wildest storylines in 2023.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Ohtani uncorks 101.7 mph fastball in third start