Shohei Ohtani, the two-way phenom of Major League Baseball, keeps amazing fans and defying expectations. In his third pitching start of the season, Ohtani showed again why he’s one of the most captivating players in modern baseball.
He faced the Kansas City Royals and delivered a dominant two-inning performance. Ohtani flashed elite velocity and pinpoint control, just months after battling through two significant injuries.
The start was brief but electrifying. Ohtani pitched two shutout innings against the Royals, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out a batter.
He threw 27 pitches total, with 20 of those landing for strikes. In the second inning, he needed only 13 pitches to retire the side—moving quickly and efficiently.
Most notably, Ohtani’s velocity really stole the show. He hit a staggering 101.7 mph on a fastball that ended the inning with a double play from Kansas City’s Vinnie Pasquantino.
This matched Ohtani’s career-best speed, which he’d previously reached during the 2023 World Baseball Classic—also against Pasquantino. In this outing, Ohtani broke the 100 mph mark three times, cementing his reputation as one of the hardest throwers in the league.
The Road Back: Overcoming Injuries and Setting Records
What makes Ohtani’s performance even more remarkable is his journey back to the mound. The 29-year-old underwent elbow surgery in September 2023.
To complicate things, a shoulder injury during the 2024 World Series delayed his recovery. For most pitchers, setbacks like these could end their dominance. For Ohtani? It’s just another chapter in this wild career.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts approached this start with caution, planning for Ohtani to pitch only into the second inning as long as the first frame went smoothly. Ohtani rewarded that strategy with sharp execution, flashing the elite form that makes him a force both on the mound and at the plate.
All-Star Recognition and Ohtani’s Decision to Skip the Home Run Derby
Ohtani’s two-way brilliance keeps earning him accolades. The Japanese superstar was recently named the starting designated hitter for the National League in the upcoming All-Star Game.
His ability to dominate both as a pitcher and a hitter has redefined what’s possible in baseball. That All-Star nod just feels like further proof of his impact.
However, Ohtani decided not to participate in this year’s Home Run Derby. As much as fans would love to see him light up the competition, he cited current rules as a limiting factor.
This decision probably comes down to preserving his health and keeping himself sharp for the second half of the season. Teammate Teoscar Hernández, last year’s Derby champion, made a similar choice to sit out as well.
The Bigger Picture for Ohtani and the Dodgers
Ohtani’s impressive outing comes at a pivotal time for the Dodgers. His return to form on the mound gives their rotation a serious boost, especially as they battle in a tight National League race.
Throwing 101.7 mph multiple times and matching his career best is a reminder that Ohtani’s ceiling as a pitcher is still sky-high. Moving forward, his health will remain a key storyline.
While his two-way role is what elevates his legend, it also brings risks. The Dodgers will have to manage his workload carefully to avoid more injuries.
Shohei Ohtani’s Star Shines Brighter Than Ever
Shohei Ohtani threw two shutout innings against the Royals. That wasn’t just another pitching appearance—it showed off his grit, raw talent, and how he keeps pushing the boundaries of baseball.
He fired a 101.7 mph fastball, the fastest of his career. That velocity, along with his sharp performance, makes it feel like Ohtani’s gearing up to dominate another season.
The pressure on him is huge, but he seems to carry it with a shrug. His dynamic arm, that electric swing—Ohtani doesn’t let past injuries call the shots for him.
The All-Star Game is coming up, and fans everywhere have plenty of reasons to get excited about what he’ll do next.
Here is the source article for this story: Shohei Ohtani completes 2 shutout innings against Royals, hits 101.7 mph in hardest pitch of his career
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s