Seibu Lions Kaima Taira pitcher (26) showed an unusual adjustment on the 3rd, taking part in live BP (live batting practice) without taking place at this camp. bullpen pitch

bullpen The right-hander is scheduled to participate in the WBC in March, and although many pitcher players enter the camp on the first day of camp on the 1st, "I think it's better than pitching at bullpen because I can practice in an environment closer to the game with hitter standing by. I've been practicing from my voluntary training so that I can enter the live BP," he nodded.

He was fully prepared. During his voluntary training in Ishigaki Island, Okinawa in January, he actively went to bullpen and adjusted ahead of schedule, saying, "I was able to throw about 60 pitches (in one day)." During the same period, he spoke with pitcher coach Toyoda and decided to pitch on this day. This season, he has decided to return to the starting position, and has been making adjustments in a planned manner, saying, "I'm adjusting to pitching long inning. I think inning in the WBC will be short, so I just need to be able to put out a good output."

On this day, he played catch with a major league ball that will also be used in the tournament, before taking to mound. As his opponent was Genda, who will also be competing in the WBC, he said, "I didn't want to hit him, so I unconsciously threw balls to the outside," and 17 of his 30 pitches were balls. His caution was evident, but he mixed in a two-seam fastball with an improved two seam fastball, change-up, and a curveball, and already reached a top speed of 151 km/h. After pitching, pitch about 25 more pitches in bullpen. He will stick to his beliefs and go into the game. (Onaka Ayami)