nytimes.com
Ohtani Throws Fastest Pitch of Career in Loss to Royals
On Saturday, Shohei Ohtani threw a 101.7 mph fastball, the fastest pitch of his career, during a two-inning scoreless appearance against the Kansas City Royals; however, the Royals won 9-5, and Ohtani was hitless in four at-bats. Ohtani also announced he will not participate in the 2024 Home Run Derby.
- What was the immediate impact of Ohtani's record-breaking pitch speed on the game and his recovery trajectory?
- Shohei Ohtani threw a 101.7 mph fastball, the fastest pitch of his career, during his two scoreless innings against the Royals. He allowed one hit and one walk while throwing 20 of 27 pitches for strikes. Despite this pitching success, the Royals defeated the Dodgers 9-5, and Ohtani was hitless in four at-bats.
- How does Ohtani's pitching performance connect to his previous surgeries and his decision to not participate in the Home Run Derby?
- Ohtani's performance showcases his remarkable recovery from elbow and shoulder surgeries. His fastball velocity increase, from a 98.6 mph average to three pitches exceeding 100 mph against the Royals, demonstrates significant progress. This successful return to pitching after major surgeries highlights his physical capabilities and dedication to recovery.
- What are the potential future implications of Ohtani's recovery progress and his prioritization of pitching over participating in the Home Run Derby?
- Ohtani's decision to skip the Home Run Derby, citing current rules, suggests a strategic prioritization of pitching and overall health. His past Derby performance, including the record for most 500-foot home runs, emphasizes his hitting prowess. This choice indicates a shift in his focus to optimize his performance in both pitching and batting, potentially impacting his long-term career strategy.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames Ohtani's performance primarily through the lens of his pitching, particularly highlighting his fastball velocity. While his hitting statistics are mentioned, the emphasis is clearly on his pitching comeback and the impressive speed of his pitches. The headline (not provided) likely reinforces this focus.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Terms like "lighting up the radar gun" are descriptive and not inherently biased, though they contribute to the overall positive framing of Ohtani's performance.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Ohtani's pitching performance and recovery, but omits discussion of his hitting statistics beyond mentioning he went hitless in four at-bats. This omission prevents a complete picture of his overall performance in the game. Further, there is no mention of the Royals' performance beyond the final score, which limits the reader's understanding of the context of Ohtani's performance.