Title: Shohei Ohtani, MLB's Japanese Sensation, Fires Up 97 mph in Dodgers' Win
"Astonishing Velocity": Ohtani unleashes a phenomenal 157 km/h pitch from his arm
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🔵 "Not entirely satisfied, but I feel good enough" - Ohtani after 6-3 win as Dodgers' pitcher ⚾️🇯🇵 Read the full story here
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Shohei Ohtani, the celebrated Japanese powerhouse, was back on the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers after a 663-day hiatus as a pitcher. And boy, did he make his return count! The 30-year-old, fresh off a multi-million buck transfer to the Dodgers, showcased his mighty right arm in their 6-3 victory over the San Diego Padres.
With his first pitch after more than half a year, Ohtani fired a whopping 97 mph fastball, a testament to his phenomenal talent. Although he admitted to not being completely satisfied with his comeback, Ohtani expressed his elation, "The crucial takeaway for me is that I'm able to go to my next start feeling good."
Ohtani, known as a "dual threat" for his prowess both on the plate as a batter and on the mound as a pitcher, had been sidelined due to an elbow injury in August 2023. But even that temporary setback couldn't keep him from winning the World Series and being named MVP in November.
As the Dodgers' 2025 season progresses, the team is taking a measured approach to Ohtani's pitching duties, with plans to use him as a weekly opener, slowly building his stamina and strength[1][2]. The club is keen on preserving Ohtani's health for the long haul, ensuring he's at his best for the crucial postseason stretch[1][3].
While Ohtani's return to the mound was garnering cheers from thousands of fans, news of his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was making headlines elsewhere. Mizuhara was sentenced to 57 months in prison and ordered to pay over $18 million in damages for stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani's account[3]. Coincidentally, Mizuhara began his prison sentence on the very day of Ohtani's comeback, leaving the superstar with mixed emotions. "I'm incredibly thankful to everyone who's supported me throughout this entire process, with the exception of one individual," said Ohtani, no doubt referring to his former interpreter.
[1] MLB.com
[2] ESPN.com
[3] nbcsports.com
[4] cnn.com
- "Celebrating Shohei Ohtani's electrifying return to baseball in the USA, where he pitched a 97 mph fastball for the Los Angeles Dodgers, revitalizing the MLB" ⚾️🇯🇵📝
- "MLB's star, Shohei Ohtani, asserted his dominance with a 97 mph fastball in a victory for the Los Angeles Dodgers, solidifying his place as a sports powerhouse in the USA" 🇺🇸🏆📝
