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. Asked whether Ohtani could pitch for the team before the All-Star break,

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 manager Dave Roberts said there now is a "north of zero" chance Shohei Ohtani joins the team's rotation before the All-Star break, a sign of the strides the two-way star has made in his pitching rehab.