Shohei Ohtani will make his next start on Tuesday, with Roki Sasaki and Blake Snell not far from returning, as the rotation approaches full strength.

Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani is gradually increasing his innings since returning from elbow surgery. Head coach Dave Roberts announced today that Ohtani will make his sixth start of the season against the Minnesota Twins next Tuesday, Beijing time, expected to pitch three innings before being relieved by Dustin May.

Ohtani pitched three innings in the game against the San Francisco Giants before the All-Star Game. He threw only 36 pitches, allowing one hit while striking out four and issuing one walk, showcasing an excellent performance. This season, he has accumulated nine innings pitched with an impressive ERA of just 1.00. Roberts stated that in the upcoming starts, the team will arrange for Ohtani to have "multi-inning pitchers" follow him.

Regarding Ohtani's return to a normal starting rotation schedule, Roberts provided a clear blueprint: "My plan is to let him pitch up to four innings first, and then possibly repeat that four-inning start. By that time, he should be able to return to his normal game mode." This statement undoubtedly fills fans eager for the full return of "Pitcher Ohtani" with hope.

As the leaders of the National League West, the Dodgers are optimistic about the good news for their pitching staff, which has been plagued by injuries as the second half of the season begins. In addition to Ohtani's stable return, Japanese ace Roki Sasaki, who has been sidelined by a shoulder injury, has continued training during the All-Star break. Roberts commented, "All the news I’ve heard has been positive, and I hope we can gradually increase his intensity, then face hitters, and ultimately return to the field."

It is reported that Sasaki's pitching velocity has reached 90 miles per hour, and Roberts praised, "That's already quite a good intensity." Another ace left-hander, Blake Snell (shoulder injury), is expected to pitch in his third rehab game in Triple-A this weekend. He will pitch three innings, aiming for a final goal of four innings in a single outing, indicating that a return to the major leagues is not far off.