Pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, the ace of professional baseball giants, has been decided to serve as the eighth opening pitcher, the most in the team in the opening game on the 25th of this month.
This was revealed by giant Tatsunori Hara at an event held at the newly renovated Tokyo Dome on the 1st.
Pitcher Sugano ended up with a disappointing record of 3.19 ERA and 6 wins and 7 losses last season, but he has been leading the team as an ace for many years, winning numerous titles so far.
He has been enthusiastically throwing in at the camp last month, including entering the bullpen from day one, and is also working on a slider fix that wasn't good last season.
He hasn't pitched in practice games or open games yet, but he has been praised for his smooth adjustments and will be the eighth opening pitcher, the most in the team for the fifth consecutive year.
The highest number so far was Koji Uehara's 7 times.
Director Masumi Kuwata, who had left the decision of the opening pitcher to the pitcher, said, "I often talked with coach Kuwata about the opening pitcher. I nominated him as a pitcher. "
Pitcher Kanno was enthusiastic, saying, "I feel like I'm getting tighter. The opening round has a unique atmosphere and I'm not used to it, but I want to stick to winning and make a good start for myself."
The opening game of the giant will be held on the 25th of this month, and will play against Chunichi at Tokyo Dome.