Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani throws to live batters as progression toward pitching return continues

Shohei Ohtani moved one step closer to returning to the mound by facing live hitters on Saturday afternoon before the Los Angeles Dodgers' matchup with the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium.

To be specific, Ohtani faced one live batter: catcher Will Smith. Smith batting against Ohtani was also another encouraging development, indicating he's nearing a return from neck inflammation that's had him on the injured list since June 11.

Ohtani threw 30 pitches in total and gave a thumbs-up after the session concluded, according to the Associated Press. How he feels after a day of recovery will likely determine whether he throws one more session against live batters. But the plan is for him to throw to batters once more next week.

Ohtani vs. Will Smith: https://t.co/xCQlOlI5Dypic.twitter.com/KWG5kcys5P

"If it were up to Shohei, he'd be in a game in a few days," Roberts told reporters, including The Athletic's Katie Woo. "I would assume another live BP, but we're going to make sure we talk to him and get with the training staff as well."

Most importantly, Ohtani appears to be recovered from the left knee issue that has irritated him since before the MLB All-Star break. That eventually led to him being dropped out of the Dodgers' starting rotation approximately a month ago.

"I'd like to think the knee thing is behind us," Roberts said. "I think certainly given the buildup, we'll be able to manage it."

The Dodgers' plan is still to build Ohtani's workload up slowly in preparation for the postseason. When he's ready to pitch in a major-league game, he'll likely be the opener and work one inning for his first few starts. Ohtani will then progressively extend each outing until he can go six innings in a playoff start.

Despite the pitching staff dealing with several injuries, the timeline is trending toward being at full strength by September and into the postseason. And the Dodgers' rotation already features Tarik Skubal, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki and the recently returned Blake Snell.

Roberts confirmed that Tyler Glasnow is expected to start Tuesday versus the Atlanta Braves, his first appearance since going on the IL on May 8 with lower back spasms. Justin Wrobleski (left forearm inflammation) and closer Edwin Díaz (neck inflammation) are expected to return when they're eligible to be activated in early September. Díaz threw a bullpen session on Saturday.