Shohei Ohtani Pitches Two Scoreless Innings on 31st Birthday for Dodgers

On his 31st birthday, Shohei Ohtani pitched two scoreless innings against the Houston Astros in his fourth start of the 2025 season, throwing a season-high 31 pitches with 21 strikes. Despite the Dodgers not winning, Ohtani impressed with fastballs averaging 97.9 mph and topping out at 100.9 mph, striking out six batters and allowing just one run over six innings this season. Serving as a multi-inning opener, Ohtani is gradually increasing his pitch count as part of a cautious return from a second major elbow surgery. His performance included a mix of high-velocity fastballs and sharp offspeed pitches, demonstrating sharp command and suggesting he could reach top form by the postseason. The Dodgers have been strategically managing Ohtani's role to balance his pitching rehab with his offensive contributions, as he continues to put up MVP-caliber numbers at the plate. His effective outing and growing pitch count have generated excitement about his impact on the Dodgers' playoff prospects and roster flexibility.