The Los Angeles Dodgers' marquee signing two offseasons ago has yet to pitch for the team, but those days are limited as Shohei Ohtani ramps up his return.

The Dodgers have been intentionally slow-playing Shohei Ohtani's buildup as a pitcher, but his progress has gradually accelerated in recent days. Ohtani mixed in sliders and curveballs in the bullpen for the first time ahead of Wednesday's series finale vs.

Shohei Ohtani's recovery is accelerating as he introduces sliders and curveballs into his rehab, a significant step since his surgeries. This breakthrough suggests his elbow and shoulder are handling increased stress.