**Ohtani Shines on the Mound Despite Dodgers’ Loss to Royals**
**Meta Description:** Shohei Ohtani made a strong return to pitching for the Dodgers, showcasing impressive speed and skill despite the team’s loss to the Royals.
**URL Slug:** ohtani-pitching-performance-dodgers-royals
**Headline:** Shohei Ohtani Impresses on the Mound in Dodgers’ Loss to Royals
Shohei Ohtani, the designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers, returned to the mound on Saturday during a game against the Kansas City Royals. This matchup saw the NL West-leading Dodgers face off against the Royals, where Ohtani delivered his longest pitching performance of the season. Although the Dodgers ultimately lost the game 9-5, Ohtani’s pitching was a highlight, allowing only one hit over two innings.
After undergoing elbow surgery in 2023, Ohtani has been gradually increasing his pitching workload. Previously, he had only pitched for one inning in earlier starts this season. During this outing, he reached a remarkable pitch speed of 101.7 mph, marking the fastest pitch of his MLB career. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Ohtani’s performance, noting, “Getting Shohei through two innings throwing the ball the way he did is certainly a positive.”
In his two innings, Ohtani faced seven batters, throwing first-pitch strikes to each one and finishing with 27 pitches, 20 of which were strikes. “I’m happy that I was able to attack the zone,” Ohtani stated through an interpreter. He allowed a single to Bobby Witt Jr. and walked Maikel Garcia before showcasing his speed with a fastball that led to a double play.
Despite his pitching success, Ohtani struggled at the plate, striking out three times as the leadoff batter. This season, he has hit 29 home runs while serving primarily as the designated hitter for the Dodgers. Ohtani’s previous season was spent recovering from Tommy John surgery, and he had made 86 starts as a pitcher with the Los Angeles Angels prior to joining the Dodgers.
As Ohtani continues to ramp up his pitching activity, fans and teammates alike are hopeful for his health and performance moving forward.
**FAQ**
**Q: How did Shohei Ohtani perform in his recent pitching outing?**
A: Ohtani pitched two innings, allowing only one hit and reaching a pitch speed of 101.7 mph, showcasing a strong return to the mound despite the Dodgers’ loss.