Los Angeles two-way star Shohai Otani continues his build on the bump. Otani has started three pitching starts for the and is set to make his fourth appearance on the mound on his birthday.
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On Saturday, Otani will be the starting pitcher for the ‘ Houston Astros on his 31st birthday. The right-hander is off the best start of the season, expected by throwing a fastball at 101.7 mph, the fastest pitch of his MLB career.
Otani pitched two scoreless innings with a 27-pitch performance against the Kansas City Royals. It was the first time the two-way star has pitched more than innings this season.
With each start, Otani looked even sharper. The right-hander made his pitching debut with the on June 16th, facing the San Diego Padres. He was tasked with facing the top of the Padres lineup, including Fernando Tatis Jr., three-time batting champions Luis Arez and Manny Machado.
Otani showed rust and allowed one run with three hits while outings on 28 pitches. Nevertheless, he has since settled on his norms as both a starting pitcher and a designated batter.
The are extremely cautious about Otani’s return to the mound, and manager Dave Roberts has provided more insight into the two-way star full ramp this season.
“I think we’re always cautious,” Roberts said. “So, I don’t even know what it looks like, “It’s completely built up.” It’s not a regular pitcher, so everyone knows what it looks like.
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Photo Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
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