Edgardo Henriquez, the 23-year-old Venezuelan pitcher with a blazing fastball, has become a breakout star for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 season, captivating fans and earning high praise from teammate Shohei Ohtani. Manager Dave Roberts recently noted, “He looks much more confident,” a sentiment echoed by Ohtani, whose emotional comments about Henriquez’s journey have stirred the hearts of Dodgers faithful. Henriquez’s meteoric rise from a teenage catcher to a record-setting reliever, combined with his inspiring story of resilience, has made him a fan favorite as the Dodgers chase another World Series title.

Henriquez’s journey began in Cumaná, Venezuela, a coastal city not known for producing baseball stars. Signed by the Dodgers as a catcher in 2018 for $80,000, he transitioned to pitching at their Dominican academy in 2019. His early years were rocky, with 22 runs allowed in 30 innings during his first season. The 2020 pandemic sidelined him, and a 2023 Tommy John surgery threatened his career. Yet, Henriquez returned with unprecedented velocity, averaging 99 mph and hitting 104 mph in the minors last summer. His 103.3 mph fastball against the San Diego Padres on August 16, 2025, marked the hardest pitch in Dodgers history since Statcast tracking began in 2015, earning a standing ovation from his parents, Edgar and Erika, in the Dodger Stadium stands.

Of the 83 pitches Henriquez threw entering August 20, 28 topped 101 mph, showcasing his raw power. His cutter, in the mid-90s, and devastating slider have made him nearly unhittable, with opponents batting just .120 against him in seven scoreless innings. Roberts credits Henriquez’s newfound confidence, noting, “Last year, it was almost a fake confidence. Now he knows his stuff plays here.” This transformation, from a prospect recovering from elbow surgery to a bullpen force, culminated in his major-league debut last September, where he earned a save in his third game by topping 101 mph twice.

Ohtani, the reigning National League MVP, added an emotional layer to Henriquez’s story during a post-game interview on August 17, 2025. Reflecting on his own recovery from elbow surgery, Ohtani said, “Edgardo’s been through so much—surgery, doubts, moving countries. To see him throw like that, with his family watching, it’s special. He’s not just a pitcher; he’s a fighter.” Fans on X erupted with sentiment, with @DodgerFanatic88 posting, “Ohtani talking about Henriquez’s heart got me tearing up. This team is family.” Another user, @BlueCrewLA, wrote, “From Venezuela to Dodger Stadium, Henriquez is living the dream. Ohtani gets it.” The comments resonated deeply, especially after Ohtani’s own scare on August 20, when a line drive struck his thigh during a loss to the Rockies, though he avoided serious injury.

Henriquez’s ascent hasn’t been without obstacles. A metatarsal injury in his left foot sidelined him for most of spring training, yet he rebounded with 36 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings at Triple-A Oklahoma City before his July 2025 call-up. His versatility—beyond his record-setting four-seam fastball—has impressed pitching coach Mark Prior, who, alongside bullpen coach Josh Bard, is guiding Henriquez to balance velocity with deception. Chris Forbes, Colorado Rockies’ senior director of player development, warned that hard-throwers need secondary pitches to succeed, a challenge Henriquez is meeting with his cutter and slider.

The Dodgers, holding a slim lead in the NL West after a 8-3 loss to the Rockies on August 20, see Henriquez as a key piece in their postseason push. His ambition to become a closer, though unspoken publicly, is evident in his desire to “shut down games” with his blazing fastball. Fans on X, like @qwiket_mlb, have dubbed him a “bullpen game-changer,” with his 103.3 mph strikeout of Ryan O’Hearn generating viral buzz.

Henriquez’s story, from a Cumaná sandlot to Dodger Stadium, resonates as a testament to perseverance. Ohtani’s heartfelt words have amplified this narrative, connecting with fans who see Henriquez as more than a pitcher. As the Dodgers eye the 2025 World Series, Henriquez’s confidence and raw talent signal a bright future, proving that lightning can indeed strike twice in Chavez Ravine.