Pitcher Katsuki Higashi, who won the title of most wins last season in DeNA professional baseball, entered the bullpen for the first time at a camp held in Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, and refined his control.
Pitcher Higashi, who is in his seventh year as a professional, started 24 games last season and, armed with outstanding control, allowed less than one four-ball per nine innings, he had a record of 16 wins, 3 losses, and an ERA of 1.98, with a winning percentage of .84. They recorded a record of 2.2 points and won the title for the most wins and highest winning percentage in the Central League for the first time.
Pitcher Higashi spent the first three days of camp getting used to the climate and environment of Okinawa Prefecture, so he finally entered the bullpen for the first time on the 4th, the final day of the first period.
In the bullpen, he pitched every three pitches to the out-course and in-course pitches to the seated bullpen catcher until the 21st pitch, testing the accuracy of his control of fastballs and breaking balls.
From the 22nd pitch, the catcher replaced Yudai Yamamoto, who won the Best Battery Award with East pitcher last season, and while communicating with each other about the strength of the balls, he threw a total of 30 pitches, with a satisfied look on his face. was showing.
In addition, in order to ensure that the right foot lands in the same place each time without any fluctuation, there are other measures taken to stabilize the form and hone the control, such as placing non-slip rosin near the place where the foot steps. Ta.
Pitcher Higashi said, ``I was able to pitch while being conscious of making each movement carefully.From now on, I would like to make adjustments by combining quickness, fastballs, and curve ball combinations in preparation for the actual game.'' I was enthusiastic.