"#Dodgers Shohei Ohtani increased his work in his weekly bullpen session today. 50 pitches, split 25-25 in an up-down (simulated inning break). Most he has thrown in his TJ recovery. Still hasn't thrown any breaking pitches but must be close to throwing to hitters," he wrote.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani is inching closer to his return to the mound after almost two years away from his last start.

On Saturday, Ohtani took the next step forward in his pitching rehab, throwing around 35 four-seam fastballs, two-seamers (aka sinkers) and splitters. He also took a break about halfway through to simulate being down in between two innings.