Shohei Ohtani Dominates on Mound, Strikes Out Side Against Los Angeles Dodgers' Rivals

Ohtani hit 100 mph in the clip above, from @PitchingNinja. Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts was hoping to get three innings from Ohtani on Saturday, who continues to build back from Tommy John surgery that cost him all of the 2024 season on the mound. Because of his importance to the team's lineup, he's unable to step aside for rehab assignments, so he's worked in these "opener" style starts to build his pitch count.

The hope is that he's back and fully ready during the second half of the season so he can be a big-time weapon for the Dodgers in the playoffs. They entered play on Saturday in first place in the National League West by four games over the Giants, despite recently getting swept by the Houston Astros and Milwaukee Brewers.

At the plate, Ohtani continues to put together an MVP-caliber season, as he has 32 homers entering play on Saturday. He's won three MVP awards already, becoming one of only two players in baseball history (Frank Robinson) to win the MVP in both leagues.

The Dodgers and Giants will finish out the first half of the season on Sunday afternoon before departing for the All-Star break. Ohtani will represent the National League as the starting designated hitter in the game, which is Tuesday night.