Roberts told reporters that Ohtani was throwing 92 to 94 miles per hour (fastball) with a brief 14-pitch bullpen session. He also added it's possible Ohtani will be facing batters in simulated settings before the Dodgers head to Toyko for the 2025 MLB World Tour in mid-March.

Watching Ohtani take the mound following Tommy John surgery and knowing he is indeed close to returning there full-time provided a much-needed boost of confidence for Los Angeles Dodgers fans on Saturday.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have just a little more than a month to go before they battle the Chicago Cubs in their season-opening series in Tokyo, Japan. Legions of fans naturally want to see countryman Shohei Ohtani pitch during this two-day spectacle.