Dodgers manager Dave Roberts indicated an Ohtani return could be near while speaking with reporters ahead of Sunday's game against the San Francisco Giants. He announced Ohtani would be throwing to live hitters early next week, then was asked if that would be his final step before making a full return to the mound.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said earlier this week that Shohei Ohtani's chances of returning to the mound before the All-Star Game were "north of zero," and Ohtani supported that statement on Saturday.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have yet to see the full capabilities of Shohei Ohtani. Although that statement sounds ludicrous given a historic 2024 campaign from Ohtani that featured the first 50+ home run and 50+ stolen base season in MLB history on his way to MVP honors and a championship in his first of 10 seasons in L.