Rakuten Eagles Naoto Nishiguchi pitcher (29) trained in Okinawa Prefecture on March 13. The right-hander, who has been training with an eye toward becoming a starter, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "In the 2026 season, I want to be able to lead the team as a starter. pitcher
Last season was a breakthrough season. In 52 relief appearances, he went 3-1 with one save in 31 hold and ERA 1.07 innings pitched. 70 strike out and strike out in 50 2/3 innings pitched, his 12.43 earned-run average was one of the best in the league.
I don't change the pitch style I aim for even in the starting lineup. Last season, the right-hander overpowered the opponent with pitching mainly with fastballs that always exceeded 150 km, hitter. "I want to start at an average ball speed range of over 150 km/h, and I want to increase the inning I can throw with an average speed of over 150 km/h."
He also believes that his characteristic strike out ability will be used as a starter. "My strength is that I can get struck out. How many times can I continue to do pitch that I can get struck out from one time? If that grows, I feel that it is worth starting with, so I want to pitch in a way that can overwhelm the opponent's batting lineup." It envisions a dominant pitch that maintains high strike out abilities.
In order to increase inning he can overwhelm, he is focusing on improving the reproducibility of pitch form this offseason. "It's important to be able to consistently throw the same ball without straining, with a form that doesn't put strain on the shoulders or elbows." He is also working to improve the flexibility of his hip joints as he pursues his ideal form.
Last season, the team had no pitcher who reached the required innings pitched. Improving the starting lineup is an important issue, and if Nishiguchi can perform well as a starter, he will be a major driving force behind the team's rise. "I won't be able to break into the starting rotation unless I get solid results in the exhibition games first. I want to be 100% when camp starts and make an impression from bullpen," he said, exuding his determination.
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