Ohtani could make mound return in June, Sasaki appears likely to be sidelined for lengthy stretch

Shohei Ohtani could return to a major league mound in the next two weeks but Los Angeles Dodgers rookie right-hander Roki Sasaki has paused his throwing program and is set for a lengthy layoff. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Ohtani will throw to hitters for a fourth time this week and "potentially" it could be the two-way star's final batting practice session before his first big league pitching appearance since Aug. 23, 2023, for the Los Angeles Angels. "He's getting very eager, very excited," Roberts said.