Shohei Ohtani Hits Insane 102 MPH Feat In Dodgers Outing

Shohei Ohtani is once again rewriting the baseball playbook. In just his third pitching appearance for the Los Angeles Dodgers, he fired a 101.7 mph fastball — the fastest pitch of his Major League career.

That moment came in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals’ Vinnie Pasquantino, who promptly grounded into a double play off the blazing heater. For a player already known for record-breaking exit velocities at the plate, Ohtani is now scaling new heights on the mound.

This outing, featuring two scoreless innings for the Dodgers with 20 strikes on 27 pitches, marks a significant milestone in Ohtani’s comeback journey. He’s recovering from two major surgeries — a second Tommy John procedure last fall and labrum surgery on his non-throwing shoulder.

His return is cautious but promising, progressing from one inning in each of his first two outings to two innings this time around. Although he went hitless at the plate, it was his arm and velocity that told the bigger story.

Before Saturday’s game, Ohtani’s average four-seam fastball velocity hovered around 98.6 mph. That day, three of his fastballs topped 100 mph, including one at 99.9 mph. By comparison, in 2023 with the Angels, he averaged 96.8 mph before shutting down for surgery. This velocity jump isn’t just a sign of health—it’s evidence that Ohtani is evolving as a pitcher.

Ohtani’s Two-Way Impact For Dodgers

Ohtani’s rare skill set has redefined what it means to be a two-way player in modern baseball. He excels both as a power hitter and a dominant pitcher, a combination unseen since Babe Ruth’s era. His ability to maintain elite performance on both sides of the ball is flatout staggering.

“It’s something that I don’t think I would have been able to do in a live BP setting, so it’s nice to be able to hit this velo and see how my body reacts,” Ohtani said through interpreter Will Ireton, per Jackson Stone of MLB.com.

His exit velocity records at the plate—often eclipsing 115 mph—showcase his elite hitting power. But the new chapter is unfolding on the mound, where his arm strength and command are returning stronger than ever. This blending of power hitting and elite pitching velocity highlights why Ohtani is one of the most unique talents in the game’s history.

Home Run Derby Decision and Future Outlook

Ohtani also addressed his decision not to participate in this year’s Home Run Derby, calling the current format not feasible for meaningful competition. His 2021 Derby appearance remains legendary—he was the first pitcher to compete and still holds the record for the most 500+ foot home runs (six) in a single event. His choice to sit this one out shows a focus on long-term health and performance rather than short-term spectacle.

Saturday’s performance wasn’t just a rehab checkpoint; it was a declaration. Ohtani, now a world champion, is not only returning to the game but pushing the boundaries of what a player can do. His increasing fastball velocity signals a pitcher coming back stronger, while his batting prowess continues to electrify fans.

Ohtani continues to remind why  he’s one of the most incredible figures that baseball has ever witnessed. The game’s future is brighter with him on the mound and in the batter’s box, setting new standards for his competitors to chase.