What happened: Shohei Ohtani threw his first bullpen session in nearly a month on Friday, and manager Dave Roberts said Saturday the next steps are another bullpen and a live batting practice before a major league return. Ohtani hasn't started for the Dodgers since July 3 while recovering from a knee and biceps injury.

Why it matters: Ohtani was posting a 1.79 ERA with 95 strikeouts innings before the layoff, and the bullpen has operated down a reliever without him in the rotation. He remains in the lineup as a hitter, batting .290 with 27 home runs, 74 RBIs and a .930 OPS.

What to watch: Roberts said he'd see Ohtani back in a major league game once the bullpen and live BP steps are completed. Tyler Glasnow, also nearing a return, needs just one more rehab start after his latest Triple-A outing.