LEADING OFF: Many happy returns to MLB mounds

A look at what’s happening around the majors Sunday:

OHTANI’S TURN

Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani is set to make his first appearance on the mound since Sept. 2, 2018, after not pitching all last season following elbow surgery. Ohtani is under no restrictions when he faces the Athletics in Oakland.

“It’s a little mix of everything, some worries, some excitement,” Ohtani said through a translator. “There won’t be fans so that will be weird, too.”

Ohtani was the Angels’ designated hitter in the season opener Friday night and didn’t play Saturday.

Mike Fiers will start for the A’s in his first appearance since revealing to The Athletic in November that his former team, the Houston Astros, had stolen signs using a camera in center field during their run to the 2017 World Series championship.

COOKIE’S BACK

Carlos Carrasco’s inspirational comeback reaches another milestone as the Indians right-hander makes his first start since May 30 last season, shortly before he was diagnosed with leukemia.

Carrasco will face the Kansas City Royals in the finale of a three-game series in Cleveland. Despite undergoing medical treatments that kept him away from the club, Carrasco was able to return last season and made 11 relief appearances. He wanted to start again, however, and secured a spot in Cleveland’s rotation this spring.

The 33-year-old Carrasco understood he might be at greater risk this season because his immune system has been compromised due to the disease. But after talking to his family and Cleveland’s medical personnel, he felt comfortable enough to play.

KLUBER’S LONG ROAD

Two-time AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber makes his first major league start in 15 months when debuts for the Texas Rangers at home against the Colorado Rockies.

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source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-Many-happy-returns-to-MLB-mounds-15434453.php