Shohei Ohtani strolled out to the outfield grass at Nationals Park on an abnormally brisk April afternoon. In his wake strode a small army of Los Angeles Dodgers coaches and staff. Ohtani, who two days prior had gone 3-for-4 with a home run and a triple, picked up a ball and began to throw.

There was talk that Ohtani could face hitters before the season started. Then he went a month without throwing a bullpen session.

Shohei Ohtani laid out both his and the Los Angeles Dodgers' mindset regarding his return to the pitching mound: Better safe than sorry.