Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Shohei Ohtani is inching closer to his return to the mound after almost two years away from his last start.

"#Dodgers Shohei Ohtani increased his work in his weekly bullpen session today. 50 pitches, split 25-25 in an up-down (simulated inning break). Most he has thrown in his TJ recovery. Still hasn't thrown any breaking pitches but must be close to throwing to hitters," he wrote.

Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers are coming off a loss to the Angels. While the Dodgers have been inconsistent at times, they still sit atop the NL West. Ohtani, meanwhile, continues to shine, hitting his 16th home run of the season to surpass Yankees captain Aaron Judge.