For Ohtani specifically, going back to pitching will represent so much more than an added bonus to an MVP signed to a team for the better part of the next decade, but the normalcy that the superstar finds in pitching is something that he has perfected long before making his way to MLB.

Shohei Ohtani will be the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night against the San Diego Padres, 21 months after the two-way star had elbow surgery.

With Sasaki (right shoulder impingement), Blake Snell (left shoulder inflammation) and Tyler Glasnow (right shoulder inflammation) on the injured list, the Dodgers have resorted to bullpen games.