Ohtani uncorks 101.7 mph fastball in third start

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Shohei Ohtani threw the fastest pitch of his major league career at 101.7 mph and worked two efficient innings in his third mound start for the Los Angeles Dodgers, allowing one hit and one walk against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.

It was the first start of more than one inning this season for the two-way superstar, who is working as an opener as he eases his way back into pitching.

"Getting Shohei through two innings throwing the ball the way he did is certainly a positive," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "I didn't know it was 102 [mph]. I just saw 100, so, no, I didn't expect that. Now I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that he feels good coming out of today."

The three-time MVP did not pitch last season, his first with the Dodgers, while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He made 86 mound starts over five seasons with the Los Angeles Angels, going 38-19 with a 3.01 ERA.

On Saturday, Ohtani threw first-pitch strikes to all seven batters he faced and finished with 27 pitches, 20 for strikes. He went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts as L.A.'s leadoff batter as the Dodgers suffered a 9-5 loss.

"I'm happy that I was able to attack the zone," Ohtani said through an interpreter. "There's some little things that I still need to work on, but overall I'm pretty happy."

Ohtani allowed a one-out single to Bobby Witt Jr. in the first and walked Maikel Garcia before throwing the 101.7 mph fastball on an 0-2 count to Vinnie Pasquantino, who grounded into a double play.

"It's something I don't think I would 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."

However it wasn't the fastest pitch of Ohtani's baseball career. While pitching for Team Japan in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Ohtani struck out Pasquantino of Team Italy with a 102 mph fastball.

"[Ohtani] keeps doing that to me," Pasquantino said, according to MLB.com. "I just saw the fastest pitches he's ever thrown in his career --- two of them are against me. His two hardest throws. I need to talk to him. I was hoping he'd get on first today so I could ask him. He got me in Japan a few years ago. It was 166 kilometers, and I remember looking up and being like, 'What? I don't even know what that is.'

"He loves throwing me fastballs, and he doesn't really throw that many fastballs."

Ohtani retired the side in order in the second, fanning rookie Jac Caglianone on an 89 mph slider.

"I think you can't take the competitor out of the player," Roberts said. "There's a little bit of stress and that's when you start to see 100s and trying to bully guys. No one knows himself better than he does and I thought he was in control. Still good to see triple digits."

While the 30-year-old has 29 homers this season as Los Angeles' primary designated hitter, he won't be slugging any more over the All-Star break. Ohtani confirmed he will not participate in the Home Run Derby on July 14.

"With the current rules in place, I don't think it's feasible for me to be able to compete well," said Ohtani, who has not competed in the event since 2021.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.