Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani will soon take the next major step toward his eventual return to the mound. Ohtani on Sunday will pitch live batting practice at Citi Field, which means he'll be facing hitters for the first time since late in the 2023 season.

On the eve of Shohei Ohtani facing batters for the first time since elbow surgery in September 2023, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the two-way star likely won’t return to a major league mound until after the All-Star break.