[Rakuten Eagles] Draft pick #2, Tatsuki Ito, a ready-to-play player, showcases 7 different pitches in his first bullpen... catcher surprised: "He's very versatile."

Sports Hochi

Tatsuki Ito practicing pitch in bullpen (Photo by Koji Sakai)

Rakuten Eagles 's second-round draft pick, pitcher Tatsuki Ito (22) from Waseda University, entered bullpen on the first day of spring training, February 1st, and threw 40 pitches.

In addition to a fastball with a top speed of 143 km/h, he showed off seven different pitches, including a shoot, cutter, vertical slider, and splitter. "I pitched while checking how narrow strike zone was," he said, confirming the difference between amateur umpire and amateur umpires. bullpen catcher Ishimitsu, who received the ball, praised him, saying, "He said that pitch style is to bring the ball from the outside corner into strike zone (and rely on control). He has a variety of breaking ball, so he's very skillful."

The right-handed pitcher, who is ready to contribute immediately, vowed to grow in the tropical country, saying, "My fastball has always been a problem. I want to continue to pursue quality and speed."

Article provided by:Sports Hochi (opens in a new window)

Featured
Featured
Pacific League News

[Rakuten Eagles] Draft pick #2, Tatsuki Ito, a ready-to-play player, showcases 7 different pitches in his first bullpen... catcher surprised: "He's very versatile."