A thumbs-up and 30 pitches: Ohtani’s latest step back toward the Dodgers’ mound

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani participated in a live batting practice session with teammate Will Smith on Saturday, but there is no set timeline for his return to pitching. Wearing long sleeves, Ohtani threw 30 pitches in 93-degree heat before giving a thumbs-up to onlookers, including pitching coach Mark Prior and President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expressed optimism about Ohtani's recovery, stating that if it were up to the two-way superstar, he would be in a game within a few days. However, Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 due to a lingering soreness in his left knee, which is his landing leg while pitching. It is expected that Ohtani will throw another live session next week, with a slow buildup to limited innings once he returns to the rotation.

Ohtani's ultimate goal is to be able to make full-length starts when the Dodgers pursue their third consecutive World Series championship in October. Meanwhile, Tyler Glasnow will rejoin the rotation and start Tuesday in Atlanta, his first start since May 6. Edwin Díaz, the team's closer, is also on the 15-day injured list recovering from neck inflammation and will not be rushed back into the closer's role.

All-Star outfielder Andy Pages sustained a left hand fracture after being hit by a pitch from Pirates starter Bubba Chandler, and the team is considering surgery. The injured list also includes outfielder Alek Thomas, who will play center field against right-handed pitchers.