Rakuten Eagles 's Kenta Maeda gives up 3 hit 2 runs in 2 innings in his return to the mound in Japan. Hiroki Nomura says, "I'm not worried about the result; he was able to throw all his pitches." | Pacific League League.com

Rakuten Eagles 's Kenta Maeda gave up 3 hit 2 runs in 2 innings in his return to the mound in Japan. Hiroki Nomura said, "I'm not worried about the result; I was able to throw all my pitches."

Baseball King

February 23, 2026 21:20

Kenta Maeda returns to Japanese baseball

◆ "He threw very well, so I'm relieved"

Rakuten Eagles 's Kenta Maeda started in an exhibition game against DeNA on the 22nd. He pitched two innings, throwing 24 pitches, giving up three hit, one Walk and two runs.

Regarding Maeda, who was pitching in Japan for the first time in 11 years, commentator Nomura Hiroki on Fuji TV ONE's "Professional baseball News 2026" broadcast on the 23rd said, "I'm not worried about the result. He's probably been away from the Japanese style of mound, ball, and game feel for 11 years, so although he has experience, I think he was nervous. Having said that, he pitched calmly and was able to throw all types of pitches. He pitched very well, so I'm relieved."

Another commentator, Kenichi Tanizawa, pointed out, "Maeda's fastball lost power after going to the majors and he returned to Japan, but from now on, control will be what Maeda needs. I think that's where they'll look for him, like getting the ball in and out of the outside."

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"