Shohei Ohtani, the baseball phenomenon and two-way superstar, keeps pushing the limits of what’s possible in Major League Baseball (MLB). On Saturday, pitching for the Los Angeles Dodgers at Kauffman Stadium, Ohtani let loose a blistering 101.7 mph fastball—a personal best and honestly, just wild to watch.
The Dodgers lost 9-5 to the Kansas City Royals, but Ohtani’s performance on the mound stole the spotlight. He’s still one of the most exciting players in the game, no question.
Breaking Down Shohei Ohtani’s Record-Setting Pitch
The buzz started in the first inning. Ohtani, making just his third pitching start of the season, landed in a tough spot with two runners on and one out.
He answered with a jaw-dropping 101.7 mph four-seamer—his fastest pitch yet in MLB. That pitch, fired to Royals hitter Vinnie Pasquantino, instantly became a highlight and a personal milestone for the Japanese superstar.
Why This Pitch Matters
Ohtani’s new velocity record shows he’s still recovering and, frankly, just built different. Coming off a major injury and surgery, he’s working his way back.
Pushing past 101 mph is rare, even for the best. For Ohtani, it also proves his nerves of steel in big moments. That wasn’t just any fastball—it came when everything was on the line.
The Bigger Picture: Ohtani’s Comeback on the Mound
Ohtani’s pitching in 2023 has been under a microscope. His ability to dominate as both a hitter and pitcher just sets him apart from everyone else.
The Dodgers have taken a careful approach with his return after surgery. They’re managing his workload to keep him healthy and maximize his impact.
What Teammates and Coaches Are Saying
Ohtani’s record-breaking velocity has teammates and coaches buzzing. The Dodgers’ staff is fired up about what this means for their rotation.
A healthy, powerful Ohtani brings real intimidation to the mound. Players talk about the energy and inspiration he brings to the clubhouse—his work ethic is contagious.
Ohtani’s Broader Impact for the Dodgers and MLB
Shohei Ohtani’s unique skill set has made him a global icon. Even in a 9-5 loss to the Royals, his performance was the silver lining.
He just has a knack for stepping up in big moments. Ohtani’s multi-dimensional talent keeps drawing fans from everywhere, which is honestly great for baseball.
The Road Ahead
Now, the Dodgers are focused on keeping Ohtani healthy and slowly ramping up his workload. Fans can expect more electric moments, both pitching and hitting.
Let’s be honest, with the right management, that 101.7 mph fastball might just be the start of something special this season.
Why Ohtani Keeps Raising the Bar
MLB keeps changing, but Shohei Ohtani somehow stays ahead of the curve. Players like him set new standards almost every week.
This weekend, he threw a record-setting fastball. It’s just another example of how he keeps pushing boundaries and grabbing everyone’s attention.
For the Dodgers, Ohtani’s wild mix of skills sparks real hope for a big postseason run. Baseball fans everywhere see him as someone who’s changing what it means to be a superstar.
Here is the source article for this story: Ohtani dials it up to 101.7 mph in third start — fastest pitch of his MLB career
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