Shohei Ohtani takes major step toward pitching return

The Los Angeles Dodgers are beginning to see the shape of their pitching staff come into focus, with Shohei Ohtani taking a major step toward his pitching return. Ohtani threw 30 pitches and faced six batters in a live batting-practice session on Saturday, a workout that Dodgers manager Dave Roberts deemed "really positive." Roberts added that Ohtani will likely need one more live session before the club clears him to appear in a game.

The Dodgers have been carefully managing Ohtani's return since his left-knee issues interrupted his pitching progression in July. With live hitters now in the mix, the finish line for Ohtani's return is starting to come into view. Ohtani himself has expressed a desire to return to a game sooner rather than later. The Dodgers are also preparing for Tyler Glasnow's return to the rotation, which is scheduled for Tuesday in Atlanta.

Glasnow's rehab work has gone well, and the Dodgers are comfortable bringing him back into the rotation, which needed reinforcements at the end. Justin Wrobleski and Edwin Díaz will be eased back into the bullpen in September, with Wrobleski likely to pitch two to three innings and Díaz gradually building back toward the closer role.

The outfield is also being reshuffled due to Andy Page's fractured hand, with surgery a possibility. Alek Thomas is expected to start in center field against right-handed pitching, while Tommy Edman and Kiké Hernández are possible primary options against left-handers. Despite these positive developments, Ohtani is still one final session away from potentially returning to the mound, and the Dodgers are still working to see the finish line.