Shohei Ohtani threw a short bullpen session Friday as the Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way star moves closer to a return to the mound. Manager Dave Roberts said the right-hander likely threw around 20 pitches, but he has not yet decided on Ohtani's availability for Sunday's series opener against the Detroit Tigers. Ohtani has not pitched since July 3 because of a left knee injury.

The 8-2 pitcher with a 1.79 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 85⅔ innings this season continues to start at designated hitter and is batting .285 with 30 homers and 80 RBIs.