How this pitcher rejuvenated his career with Oakland Ballers, became SJ Giants bullpen fixture

Around this time last year, San Jose Giants pitcher Elijah Pleasants took the mound for what he thought could be the final time in his career.

He was playing for the Mahonig Valley Scrappers in the Major League Baseball Draft League, a hybrid Collegiate Summer League, and independent league. As he toed the rubber that day his mind was flooded with emotion.

After originally being drafted in the 36th round of the 2018 MLB Draft out of high school in Tennessee, he opted against signing...