What's Happening?
Shohei Ohtani, now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, has significantly increased his pitching velocity in the 2025 season. Ohtani is consistently throwing fastballs at speeds of 98 mph or faster, with 31% of his pitches reaching 99 mph or faster, and 10% hitting 100 mph or faster. This marks a notable improvement compared to previous seasons, where he has doubled his frequency of high-speed pitches. Ohtani even recorded the fastest pitch of his career at 101.7 mph against the Royals on June 28, and struck out Mike Trout with a 100.7 mph fastball in a recent game.
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Why It's Important?
Ohtani's enhanced pitching velocity is a significant development for the Dodgers, potentially boosting their competitive edge in the league. High-speed pitching can lead to more strikeouts and fewer hits, which are crucial for winning games. This improvement in Ohtani's performance could influence the Dodgers' standings and their chances in the postseason. Additionally, Ohtani's ability to maintain such high velocity consistently may set new benchmarks for pitchers across the league, impacting training and performance standards.
What's Next?
As Ohtani continues to pitch at these elevated speeds, opposing teams will need to adjust their strategies to counter his fastballs. The Dodgers may leverage Ohtani's improved performance to solidify their rotation and enhance their playoff prospects. Observers will be keen to see if Ohtani can sustain this level of performance throughout the season and how it affects his overall career trajectory.
