[Rakuten Eagles] Shoma Fujihira, a candidate for the final WBC squad, hits a string of hard pitches in bullpen on the first day, saying, "I'm getting ready earlier than usual."

Sports Hochi

Shoma Fujihira practicing pitch in bullpen (behind him is manager Hajime Miki, cameraman Tsuneshi Sakai)

Rakuten Eagles Shoma Fujihira pitcher (27) set "50 plate appearances and a single point" as his goals for the season. The right-hander came in and threw 25 pitches, including a curveball, , and said, "I'm getting ready earlier than usual. The first time I saw him, he was a little nervous, but he was not. ERA bullpen fork

As of now, only one member of the WBC squad has yet to be announced for March. Masataka Yoshida of the Red Sox is the leading candidate to be the "Last Samurai," but Fujihira is also a candidate. The final 30-man squad will be announced by the tournament organizers on February 6th.

Even if he is not selected, he will not lose his enthusiasm and will give his all to the team. "It doesn't matter where it is, I'll just do my best for the team," said Tohei. To achieve his promise, he will first spend a fulfilling month in a tropical country.

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[Rakuten Eagles] Shoma Fujihira, a candidate for the final WBC squad, hits a string of hard pitches in bullpen on the first day, saying, "I'm getting ready earlier than usual."