Shohei Ohtani throws fastest pitch of MLB career in third Dodgers' start vs. Royals

Shohei Ohtani showed everyone that his elbow is just fine after rehabbing from Tommy John surgery in 2023.

In his third start of the 2025 season against the Royals on Saturday, Ohtani fired a fastball at 101.7 mph for the fastest pitch of his MLB career. He looked sharp overall in two innings of work as he continues to build up the length of his outings.

The Dodgers are going to need Ohtani to perform well in the second half since their starting rotation has been ravaged by injuries. The right-hander's velocity on Saturday had to be a positive sign for manager Dave Roberts.

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Here's a look at Shohei Ohtani's third start of the season against the Royals. 

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Shohei Ohtani stats today vs. Royals

Ohtani threw two scoreless innings against Kansas City, striking out one and walking one. He allowed one hit and no earned runs in his third start since returning to the mound. Here's a look at his stat line:

IP	Pitches	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO
2.0	27	1	0	0	0	1	1

Shohei Ohtani highlights vs. Royals

The main highlight from Ohtani's outing was a 101.7-mph fastball that turned into an inning-ending double play in the first. It was the fastest pitch thrown by a Dodger this season and Ohtani's career. On the pitch before, he fired a 100.2-mph fastball,

Shohei Ohtani's 102 mph pitch is the fastest by a Dodger this season. 😳 pic.twitter.com/kJtxGfP8cY

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 28, 2025

Ohtani worked a 1-2-3 second frame, including a strikeout of Jac Caglianone, to complete the scoreless appearance.