Shohei Ohtani throws hardest pitch of season by starter
Shohei Ohtani impressed on the radar gun during his start against the defending World Series champions.
The Houston Astros got their first look at Ohtani the pitcher on Tuesday. During an at-bat against Josh Reddick in the fifth, Ohtani delivered the fastest pitch this year by a starting pitcher. MLB.com had him clocked at 101 mph twice in the at-bat, which ended in a line out.
Update: Ohtani's 0-1 pitch to Reddick hit 100.6, so that's a new high mark for starters this year. He joins Aroldis Chapman and Jordan Hicks as the only pitchers to deliver a pitch that fast this year.
— Alyson Footer (@alysonfooter) April 25, 2018
101. lol. pic.twitter.com/aDDs0rizue
— MLB (@MLB) April 25, 2018
Ohtani also hit 100 mph during his MLB debut, but he clearly outdid himself with this one. He did not see the best results on his stat line though as he was charged with four runs on six hits and five walks in 5.1 innings. He left with a 5-4 lead but ended up with a no decision.
Back in October, Ohtani received a platelet-rich plasma injection for a UCL issue in his pitching shoulder. The Angels did not appear to be concerned with his medical status, and Ohtani has not given them any reason to be thus far.
