The Dodgers have been intentionally slow-playing Shohei Ohtani's buildup as a pitcher, but his progress has gradually accelerated in recent days. Ohtani mixed in sliders and curveballs in the bullpen for the first time ahead of Wednesday's series finale vs.

Shohei Ohtani still has a long way to go before he's ready to pitch for the Los Angeles Dodgers. But the two-way superstar took an important step in his recovery Tuesday. Ohtani threw breaking pitches for the first time during a throwing session before Tuesday's game versus the Arizona Diamondbacks,

Shohei Ohtani moves a step closer to returning to the mound and other Dodgers pitchers on the IL could return soon.