Ohtani's Dominant Dodger Pitching Debut: Velocity Soars, Sweeper Shines

Los Angeles, CA – Shohei Ohtani made a notable pitching debut for the Dodgers, demonstrating increased velocity across his arsenal and a standout performance with his signature pitches. His fastball velocity saw a significant increase of 2-3 miles per hour compared to his 2023 season prior to injury, with one pitch even reaching triple digits at 100 mph. This achievement places him among only five Dodgers starters in the last decade to hit that velocity mark. Ohtani's sinker averaged 97.4 mph, maintaining the movement seen in 2023 but with nearly three additional miles per hour of velocity. This pitch's effectiveness is comparable to elite sinker throwers like Paul Skenes and José Soriano. His sweeper has emerged as his most frequently used and arguably best pitch, contributing to 153 strikeouts between 2022 and 2023, the highest among all pitchers. Following the game, Ohtani expressed his expectation to pitch once a week, aiming to extend his outings each time. Fans are encouraged to tune in for his next appearance to witness his continued performance.