Los Angeles Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani threw a 50-pitch bullpen session on Saturday, checking off another step in his long-awaited return to the mound. Ohtani, who had previously topped out at 35 pitches,

Ohtani advanced from the 35 pitches he tossed in his previous bullpen session on the same day that the Dodgers activated lefthanded pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who made his season debut against the Angels.

"#Dodgers Shohei Ohtani increased his work in his weekly bullpen session today. 50 pitches, split 25-25 in an up-down (simulated inning break). Most he has thrown in his TJ recovery. Still hasn't thrown any breaking pitches but must be close to throwing to hitters," he wrote.