Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches during batting practice before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium on Saturday. AFP-Yonhap Shohei Ohtani took another step toward returning to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching rotation Saturday, throwing 30 pitches to a batter for the first time in 50 days after being sidelined by left knee discomfort.Ohtani threw to Dodgers catcher Will Smith before Los Angeles’ home game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Dodger Stadium. Smith is currently recovering from a neck injury and is on the injured list.Ohtani’s last major league start was July 4. The two-way star, who is 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA this season, had been working through bullpen sessions after receiving a lubricant injection in his left knee.Saturday’s session was Ohtani’s first live batting practice since his last appearance.Kyodo News and MLB.com reported that, if he continues to experience no problems with his knee, Ohtani could make at least one more live pitching appearance this week before returning to the mound during the Dodgers’ nine-game homestand beginning Sept. 2.A return in September would give the Dodgers the option of using Ohtani as both a pitcher and designated hitter during the postseason, providing greater flexibility with their roster.Ohtani went 0 for 3 as the designated hitter Saturday, but the Dodgers beat the Pirates 4-3 for their fifth straight victory and remained atop the National League West.(This article was produced with the assistance of AI. — Ed.)