The Giants’ pitching rotation is set to receive a boost this week as several starters return from planned rest, following a stretch that saw all six members of the opening rotation take at least a 10-day break.
Last week’s MVP was Yuuki Akahoshi, who delivered a standout performance in his first start of the season on May 5 against the Yakult Swallows. The 26-year-old right-hander threw five scoreless innings to earn his third win, exceeding expectations after being used primarily as a reliever with nine appearances. Pitching coach Sugiura praised the outing as “more than a great performance,” noting that the team had only hoped for three or four innings. Akahoshi will return to the bullpen this week.
This week’s focus is on the refreshed starters. After Masahiro Tanaka was removed from the active roster on May 10, all six original rotation members have now had at least 10 days between starts. Look for Roki Sasaki, Kazuyuki Takemaru, and Haruta Inoue to make their returns. The rotation’s ERA in nine May games stands at 4.82, and the team hopes a fresh start will turn things around.
In roster moves, outfielder Yoshihiro Maru rejoined the first team on May 9 after being sent down on April 20 with a .071 batting average. He made an immediate impact, hitting a two-run homer in his first plate appearance as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning against the Chunichi Dragons. The 19-year veteran appears to be on an upward trajectory after posting a .316 average with one home run in 15 games in the farm league.
For fans, the Giants will honor the one-year anniversary of the passing of honorary lifetime manager Shigeo Nagashima on June 3 against the Orix Buffaloes at Tokyo Dome. The event is titled “FOR3VER 6.3 ~Shigeo Nagashima~,” and all coaches and players will wear uniforms with a special “FOR3VER” logo patch. The game will feature a tribute video, comments from associates, and a special exhibition.
Central League: Last week’s MVP and this week’s outlook – Yakult’s Taiichi Yamano and Hanshin’s Haruka Takahashi expected to face off again on May 13.
Pacific League: Last week’s MVP and this week’s outlook – Will the Orix Buffaloes’ “lucky charm bug” continue to work its magic?
