[Softbank Hawks] Ukyo Shuto confident about pitch clock handling at WBC: "It was good to hear about it." Gathering information from Downs | Pacific League

[Softbank Hawks] Ukyo Shuto confident about pitch clock response at WBC: "It was good to hear various things" - Gathering information from Downs

Sports Hochi

2026.1.24(土) 18:57

On the 24th, Softbank Hawks outfielder Ukyo Shuto held a talk show sponsored by medical equipment manufacturer Colantotte in Fukuoka Prefecture. The speedster, who has been selected to represent Japan in the WBC for two consecutive tournaments, revealed that he has been gathering information on pitch clock countermeasures that will be adopted in this tournament. "I haven't tried it yet, so I don't know, but Jeter (Downs) experienced a pitch clock when he was in the minors. I listened to a lot of stories, and I was able to hear a lot about what it looked like when he was at bat, and when he was runner on first and second base. Since I haven't experienced it before, it was good that I was able to hear all about it," he said, referring to the interviews he conducted with the helper players.

The pitch clock rule is that if there is a runner, the pitcher must start pitch operation within 18 seconds, and the tempo is prone to monotony. In addition, since the expanded base is adopted and the base gap is shortened by about 11 centimeters, the strength of Shuto's legs can be expected to be higher.