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

Shohei Ohtani, the versatile star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, practiced live batting with teammate Will Smith on Saturday. However, determining when the two-way athlete will return to pitching remains uncertain. At 93 degrees, Ohtani threw 30 pitches in a scorching session and ended with a thumbs-up. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts mentioned, "We're getting there," adding, "If it were up to Shohei, he'd be in a game in a few days."

Ohtani has not taken the mound since July 3 due to lingering soreness in his left knee, which is his pitching leg. "I'd like to think the knee thing is behind us," Roberts stated. Ohtani is expected to throw another live session next week, after which he will be limited to one, two, or three innings during a gradual return to the rotation.

The manager emphasized the importance of Ohtani facing hitters and observing his mechanics during the practice sessions. Roberts concluded, "The goal is for him to be able to make full-length starts once the Dodgers aim for a third consecutive World Series championship in October." Meanwhile, Tyler Glasnow will rejoin the rotation and is slated to start Tuesday in Atlanta, marking his first start since May 6, following a lower back spasm that led to his 60-day IL stint.