Shohei Ohtani is preparing to take the next step in the ongoing rehab of his right elbow. That step will occur on Saturday, according to Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, when Ohtani will throw a bullpen session for the first time since Feb.

Los Angeles Dodgers GM Brandon Gomes recently spoke to MLB Network about the pitching status of Shohei Ohtani and when fans can expect to see him on the mound this summer. Gomes gave an update on the process that the Dodgers are undergoing with Ohtani to get him back on the mound.

The pregame festivities began with a blue carpet that stretched all the way from center field to the infield, a royal procession for the reigning champions. Fireworks cracked, smoke billowed, and the stars—both on and off the field—delivered a spectacle that was as much a celebration as it was a baseball game.

The Dodgers won both games in a series full of Japanese stars, including Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani is the reigning National League MVP and a two-way sensation who is expected to pitch in 2025 after not pitching in 2024 due to elbow issues.