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Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers appointed hitter, was back on the haug on Saturday.
Kansas City Royals hosted NL West-Leading Dodgers. Ohtani had his longest pitching excursion of the season in Kansas City. While Dodgers dropped Saturday’s match against Royals, Ohtani gave up only one hit over two laps.
He had gone only one lap in earlier starts this season as he continues to increase the pitching activity after having surgery in 2023 on the elbow.
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Los Angeles Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani goes out to look up the second round against Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., June 28, 2025. (Peter Aiken/Imag- Pictures)
One of the place Ohtani threw from Kauffman Stadium Mound hit 101.7 mph, the highest speed of any pitch that the star of the two-way star has thrown in his MLB career.
“Getting Shohei through two laps throwing the ball as he did is definitely a positive one,” said Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts. “I didn’t know it was 102 (MPH). I just saw 100, so no, I didn’t expect it. Now I have to keep my fingers crossed that he’s good to get out of today.”
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Ohtani knocked out three times as the leadoff dough in Dodgers’ 9-5 losses.
The three-time MVP did not throw himself last season, his first with Dodgers while recovering from Tommy John Surgery. He started 86 starts as a starter over five seasons with Los Angeles Angels and went 38-19 with a 3.01 era.
Los Angeles Dodgers appointed hitter Shohei Ohtani throws a pitch in the second round against Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., June 28, 2025. (Peter Aiken/Imag- Pictures)
On Saturday, Ohtani strikes threw first place to all seven slaughterers he was facing, ending with 27 seats, 20 for strikes.
“I’m glad I was able to attack the zone,” Ohtani said through an interpreter. “There are some little things that I still need to work on, but generally I’m pretty happy.”
Shohei Ohtani from Los Angeles Dodgers seats during the second round against Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium June 28, 2025 in Kansas City, Mo. (Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images)
He allowed a one-out single to Bobby Witt Jr. in the first one and went Maikel Garcia before throwing 101.7 MPH Fastball on a 0-2 count to Vinnie Pasquantino, which grounded in a double game.
“It’s something I don’t think I’d be able to do in a live BP setting,” Ohtani said. “It’s nice to be able to hit this Velo and see how my body reacts.”
The 30-year-old has 29 homers this season as Los Angeles’ primary appointed hitter.
