On the 20th, Shohei Ohtani of the Major League Baseball Angels entered the bullpen for the first time in 4 days and threw 16 balls, and adjusted for the first pitching of the open game the next day.
On the 20th, Otani entered the bullpen for the first time in four days after catching a ball at the campsite, and threw a total of 16 fastballs, change-ups, and cut balls against catcher Kurt Suzuki.
In between pitches, it was seen that the data such as the number of revolutions and the trajectory of the ball were carefully checked, and adjustments were made for the Royals game on the 21st, which is the first pitching of the open game.
According to Mr. Maddon, Otani will pitch 45 to 50 pitches in the game on the 21st, so he will concentrate on the pitcher on the 21st at the request of Otani and will not participate in pitching at the same time.
Initially, Director Maddon was planning to pitch Otani in a match against a minor league team on the 21st, but he changed to pitching in an open game at the request of Otani, so he was appointed yesterday. Continuing from the season, it seems that the decision will be made based on discussions with the director.
Otani, who won the team's top nine wins last season, is expected to be his first pitcher in the major leagues.
Otani also said, "I have a desire to try it," and first of all, I will pay attention to what kind of pitching will be shown in the first pitching of the actual game this season.