Shohei Ohtani didn’t just return to the mound on Monday night — he lit it on fire.
In his first MLB pitching appearance since August 2023, Ohtani unleashed a blistering fastball that turned heads across the league. The Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar averaged a staggering 99.1 mph on his four-seamers and topped out at 100.2 mph, an emphatic statement from a player just 10 months removed from elbow surgery.
It was only one inning against the San Diego Padres, but it was enough to remind everyone of Ohtani’s rare arm talent. Despite some expected rust — he threw 28 pitches, 16 for strikes — the velocity was undeniable. In fact, his 100.2 mph fastball was the second-fastest pitch by a Dodger this season, surpassing even his 2023 average of 96.8 mph.
Shohei Ohtani’s 100 MPH Heat Signals Dominant Return to Los Angeles Dodgers’ Mound
According to Ohtani, the plan was to sit at 95–96 mph. But the adrenaline had other plans. “Excitement of the moment pushed it higher,” he admitted postgame.
The radar readings weren’t just impressive — they were historic. For reference, MLB velocity leader Paul Skenes averages 100.1 mph. Ohtani matched that benchmark in his very first outing back.
In addition to the heat, Ohtani mixed in a sweeper, sinker, and splitter, showing confidence in his full arsenal. He recorded three whiffs: two on fastballs, one on the sweeper.
Though his command wavered at times, the raw power and pitch profile were more than enough to suggest he’s still one of baseball’s most dangerous arms. And after his brief turn on the mound, he stayed in the lineup as DH, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs in a 6–3 Dodgers win.
It was only one inning. But when it’s Shohei Ohtani, one inning can tell the whole story — and this one spoke volumes.