Based on the latest update, though, it sounds like Ohtani could be back on the mound sooner rather than later. That will be a huge boost to a Dodgers team that is fighting to remain atop the National League West with a patchwork rotation. For more MLB news, head over to Newsweek Sports.

Shohei Ohtani Shows Encouraging Progress in Return to Pitching originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Los Angeles Dodgers are aiming for a series win over NL West rival San Diego Padres to start the week. LA's biggest problem while emerging as the front-runners in the NL West has been in their pitching rotation.

Shohei Ohtani is moving ever closer to his first pitching appearance for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In fact, there’s now a chance his fans might not even have to wait until the All-Star break. Ohtani looked sharp while throwing three simulated innings on Tuesday at Petco Park before the Dodgers faced the San Diego Padres,