Shohei Ohtani throws 29 pitches in second live batting practice post-surgery

Shohei Ohtani checked off another step Saturday as he works toward making his pitching debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The two-way superstar faced hitters for the second time since elbow surgery, throwing 29 pitches at Dodger Stadium in a 25-minute session before the defending World Series champions played the New York Yankees. Ohtani threw 22 pitches in his first live batting practice last weekend in New York.

The stadium music was turned off and everyone from teammates to workers to the media watched Ohtani. A Los Angeles Police Department helicopter flew noisily overhead. Freddie Freeman’s 8-year-old son, Charlie, stood in the outfield holding his glove. Kike Hernandez sat cross-legged behind the mound.

Ohtani threw to seven batters from Single-A Rancho Cucamonga in a simulated setting. He came out of it well, according to manager Dave Roberts.

"He’s just using his entire arsenal, also with today doing the up-down, he’s certainly well beyond where he was in spring (training)," Roberts said.

Against his first batter, Ohtani fielded a grounder to the left of the mound and made a throw to first where no one was. The second hitter laced a single to right. He gave up a few more singles.

Roberts looked on from third base and pitching coach Mark Prior stood behind the mound. Ohtani paused at times to talk to Prior. Roberts guessed the right-hander's velocity was "somewhere in the mid-90s."

"I think he would wishes his command would have been a little bit better, but really positive day for sure," Roberts said.

Roberts said Ohtani could throw another two or possibly three innings next Saturday. The three-time MVP isn’t expected to pitch in a major league game until after the All-Star break in mid-July.

"You still got to