Dodgers encouraged as Ohtani throws off mound

The Los Angeles Dodgers came away encouraged after Shohei Ohtani threw his first bullpen session in more than three weeks Friday, manager Dave Roberts said after the team's 3-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Ohtani, 32, has not pitched since July 3 as he deals with a left knee injury, but the Dodgers remain hopeful the two-way star will make a return to the mound in the regular season.

Roberts said reports from Friday's 35-pitch session were positive, adding that Ohtani "used his entire mix." Barring any setbacks, Roberts said, the hope is for Ohtani to throw one or two more bullpen sessions, then at least two live sessions before he pitches in a major league game.

Roberts said Ohtani initially would make one-inning appearances upon his return, including as an opener.

"I'm pretty confident that if we stay the course, he'll throw a [bullpen session] in two, three, four, five days, and then if we get out of that, I think we'll be out of the woods," Roberts said.

Ohtani played designated hitter Friday and went 0-for-3 with a walk. He is batting .290/.390/.540 with 27 home runs and 74 RBIs.

On the mound, Ohtani is 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 85⅔ innings.