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.

Last week, Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes told Jon Heyman of the New York Post that the team is not currently planning to deal for a pitcher ahead of the MLB trade deadline. One of the biggest reasons for taking this approach is the looming return to pitching for two-way star Shohei Ohtani.

Shohei Ohtani had a quiet night on Monday as the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 8-7 in 10 innings. Ohtani doubled in his first at-bat, but was held hitless the rest of the night. Ohtani did reach base twice more in the game as he walked in the top of the fourth and then reached on a throwing error in the eighth.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and his wife have gifted Shohei Ohtani’s baby daughter with a pink toy Porsche.