When will Yoshinobu Yamamoto return to the mound? Dodgers star's comeback date uncertain despite positive update 

Expectations are that LA Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto should be back by early-to-mid September. The right-hander threw a two-inning simulated game on Wednesday as he continues his rehab following right triceps tightness that has rendered him on the injured list since mid-July.

Yamamoto's early return will ensure he gets enough time to build up ahead of the postseason, which starts in October and is just over a month away.

"The feeling was pretty good," Yamamoto said through an interpreter via ESPN. "Everything is starting to come all together. It's one thing at a time. I'm going to throw some games in September and then let's see."

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts found Yamamoto's simulated innings as a "positive" development while adding that the Japanese ace is scheduled to throw three innings before starting his rehab assignments:

"The ball was coming out of his hand with a lot of life," Roberts said. "It seems like he's healthy. As long as he recovers well, then we start homing in on the command and all that other stuff."

Injury bug within Dodgers pitching camp apart from Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Apart from Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow is also recovering from right elbow tendinitis, which he suffered last week. He was scheduled to start last Saturday's game against the Cardinals, but as a precautionary measure, the club placed him on a 15-day injured list.

Tony Gonsolin, Emmet Sheehan and Kyle Hurt are already done for the season. Add to the frey is rookie River Ryan, who also requires Tommy John surgery. Furthermore, starter Dustin May is ruled out owing to flexor tendon and esophageal surgery.

On the bright side, veteran Clayton Kershaw has started to be a workhorse for the club. Walker Buehler is also getting charged up; though, there's some issue with his command, which the team hopes to get sorted out. Jack Flaherty has also done well following the trade deadline.

Amid this hiccup due to injuries to starting pitchers, the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks have started to close in on the Dodgers, now only 3.5 games behind in the NL West standings. However, the margin is likely to be extended with the Dodgers (75-52) nearing another win over the Seattle Mariners at Dodger Stadium on Wednesday.