KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Shohei Ohtani showed his power on the mound, throwing the fastest fastball of his career at 101.7 mph, in his third start for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.
On this occasion, Ohtani worked two efficient innings, allowing only one hit and one walk. This was his first start of more than one inning this season, as he is resuming his role as a pitcher.
Ohtani, who did not pitch last season due to recovery from Tommy John surgery, had 86 starts on the mound during five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, with a record of 38-19 and an ERA of 3.01.
On Saturday, Ohtani impressed by throwing strikes on the first pitch to the seven batters he faced, finishing with 27 pitches, 20 of them in the strike zone.
Allowed a single by Bobby Witt Jr. with an out in the first inning and gave a walk to Maikel García before throwing his 101.7 mph fastball to Vinnie Pasquantino, who hit a ground ball for a double play.
Ohtani retired the batters in order in the second inning, striking out rookie Jac Caglianone with an 89 mph slider.
The 30-year-old player, who also serves as the main designated hitter for Los Angeles, has 29 home runs this season.
