Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Makes 1 Thing Clear on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joey Mistretta | Last updated Feb 22, 2026 3:42 PM ET

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Shohei Ohtani are preparing for another season. Ohtani, of course, is going to participate in the World Baseball Classic first. He won't pitch in the WBC, but Shohei will surely still get some bullpen work in during the tournament as he gears up for the regular season. On Sunday, Ohtani -- without saying a word -- made it clear that he's ready to pitch for the Dodgers in 2026.

The two-way phenom reportedly reached up to 99 MPH on his fastball, per Jack Harris of The California Post. Ohtani threw 33 total pitches and struck out his Dodgers teammates Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.

Many pitchers need extra time to build up for the season. As a result, their velocity often does not reach its peak early in the spring. Ohtani only threw 33 pitches and he is still building up from a pitch count standpoint, but velocity is certainly not a concern at the moment. His fastball typically reaches up to around 100-101 MPH during the season (and he's capable of even throwing it a little over 101 MPH), but reaching 99 MPH in the early spring is promising nonetheless.

Will Shohei Ohtani Pitch Consistently in 2026?

Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani looks to win his second World SeriesKirby Lee-Imagn Images

Ohtani earned his fourth career and third consecutive MVP in 2025. He continued to tear the cover off the ball, ultimately recording a stellar .282/.392/.622 slash line. Shohei pitched as well, but was limited to only 14 starts. He found success in his limited action on the mound, finishing the year with a 2.87 ERA and 62 strikeouts across 47 innings of work.

Ohtani's career-high in starts is 28 -- a feat he accomplished back in 2022. So, will Ohtani start games on the mound consistently this year?

Los Angeles' primary goal is to win the World Series. As a result, they are going to proceed with caution when it comes to Ohtani's workload. He probably won't start 30 games. With that said, the idea of Ohtani starting 20-25 or so games is realistic. As long as he is healthy, the Dodgers plan to have Ohtani start on a consistent basis.

Rest will be important as Ohtani navigates his intense workload. He is going to be in the lineup as the designated hitter on most nights. Part of Ohtani's game is his impressive pitching prowess though, so he will want to start as many games as he can.

Shohei Ohtani, 101mph Fastball and 90mph Sweeper, Individual Pitches + Overlay pic.twitter.com/O1Woo0LURm
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 6, 2025