Katsuki Azuma, who was the opening pitcher of professional baseball DeNA and returned from surgery last season, will be the first pitcher to serve as a rookie king four years ago.
This was revealed on the 10th by DeNA director Daisuke Miura at the Yokohama Baseball Stadium.
Higashi is 26 years old in his fifth year as a professional pitcher.
He won 11 victories in the rookie year in 2018 and became the rookie of the year, but in February he underwent surgery to repair his left elbow ligament, and after more than a year of rehabilitation, in September last year. I have returned to the actual battle.
Due to the effect of the lower body trained during the off period, the strength of the ball has increased mainly on the straight, and a new change-up with a slower ball speed has been introduced, and we have continued to make vigorous adjustments from the camp.
Also, in the open match against Nippon Ham held in Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture on the 26th of last month, he threw two innings to show off his good condition and no runs.
It was the first time for me to serve as the opening pitcher, and pitcher Higashi said, "I'm honest about myself, but since I was assigned a major role, I made adjustments so that I could show the pitching that would lead the team. I want to go. "
Director Miura said, "I told him during the practice of yesterday that he was in good condition both in the match and in the bullpen. I think that the eastern part of this season will be a season of counterattack after returning from surgery. Good pitching with the team slogan" Yokohama counterattack ". I want you to keep the rotation for one year. "