Shohei Ohtani threw 22 pitches across five simulated plate appearances at Citi Field ahead of his Los Angeles Dodgers’ game against the New York Mets, facing hitters for the first time in almost two years.

An entertainer entertained right from the jump, first going through a mock sticky-substance check before facing off with Hyeseong Kim, who sent a hard-hit comebacker right at Ohtani — who stabbed it with his glove with no issue, plenty of “Wow” heard from the Dodgers contingent.

NEW YORK — Shohei Ohtani took a significant step Sunday toward making his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The two-way superstar faced hitters for the first time since elbow surgery, throwing 22 pitches at Citi Field before the NL West-leading Dodgers played the New York Mets.