Shohei Ohtani is moving ever closer to his first pitching appearance for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Manager Dave Roberts said Tuesday there’s now a chance his fans might not even have to wait until the All-Star break.

Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani pitched a three-inning simulated game on Tuesday, increasing optimism about his return to the mound in the major leagues.

For the first time since Shohei Ohtani put on a Los Angeles Dodgers uniform, it finally feels like his return to pitching is close. On Tuesday, Ohtani took a major step in his recovery, throwing a three inning simulated game against minor leaguers at Petco Park ahead of the Dodgers' second game of their series against the San Diego Padres.

Dodgers And Padres Begin Battle For NL West

Preview the June 11 matchup between the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers with odds over/under, game spread, betting lines and more.

It's Tuesday, June 10, and the Dodgers (40-27) are in San Diego to take on the Padres (37-28). The Dodgers' starting pitcher has yet to be announced, but he is slated to take the mound against Dylan Cease for San Diego.