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.

The day that the Dodgers have been waiting for since they signed Shohei Ohtani to a then-record contract is nearly here: Ohtani's first start as a pitcher in a Dodgers uniform is set for Monday night against the Padres.