"37-year-old Maeda is a completely different pitcher"···Hinch coach Hinch praised thorough preparation with 3K scoreless innings against Tampa Bay
"37-year-old Maeda is a completely different pitcher"···Hinch coach Hinch praised thorough preparation with 3K scoreless innings against Tampa Bay
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Veteran pitcher Kenta Maeda of the Detroit Tigers has given the green light to return to the starting lineup this season. He has continued to display impressive pitching performances in exhibition games, captivating manager A.J. Hinch.
Maeda started at an exhibition game against the Tampa Bay Padres in Port Charlotte, Florida, the U.S. on Saturday and allowed one hit and no run in three ⅔ innings. He struck out five and boasted his powerful pitching capability.
Maeda threw 55 balls against 13 batters. His maximum speed was 151 kilometers per hour. There was an impressive scene in which Maeda showed his condition and confidence. Maeda shook his head at the catcher's signature in the batting order of the ninth batter after two outs in the third inning. And the ball he threw was a four-seam fastball of 150 kilometers per hour.
According to Japanese media Full Count, Maeda said, "If I shook my head, it would have been a sign that I wanted to throw a pitch to lure batters with a splitter until last year. I think the batter would have thought of that, but in that sense, throwing fastballs with confidence made the batter more confused." This part shows his confidence in his fastball pitching and ball control.
Maeda was sluggish in the last season with three wins and seven losses and a 6.09 ERA. He humiliatingly lost the starting pitcher in the middle of the season and went down to the middle of the game.
As a result, he worked so hard to prepare for this season. He started pitching training early in November last year, and changed his pitching form. His thorough and quick preparation has shown good pitching from exhibition games. Manager A.J. Hinch also praised Maeda's pitching and preparation. "Batters know that he has excellent breaking balls. I liked the split and slider today as well. If batters have to respect his four core, he will become a completely different pitcher. We are nearing success," Hinch said, expressing satisfaction with Maeda's changed game. "He pitched four innings at the fastest pace among the starters, and he has a smooth pace. This is proof that he prepared well to enter the starting rotation." 메이저사이트
The Detroit starters are in fierce competition with Jack Flaherty, who was hired as an FA by American League Cy Young Award left-hander Tarik Scubal last season. Maeda's name was omitted from MLB.COM's rotation prediction on Monday.
However, Maeda showed hope to enter the starting lineup as he pitched well with a 3.12 ERA by striking out 14 in eight ⅔ innings in his third exhibition game. "It is too early to confirm the starting rotation, but Maeda seems to be well prepared for the season," Hinch said.
Maeda also said, "If we produce results and show good content anyway, the possibility of entering the starting line will increase."