Sugano Bullpen Session: Miyazaki Practice Update – Jiji Press
- MIYAZAKI, Japan – Tomoyuki Sugano continued his preparation for the 2026 World Baseball Classic with a bullpen session on Friday in Miyazaki City, according to Jiji Press News.
- Sugano’s session comes as Japan’s national team added 11 new players to its WBC roster on January 16th, bolstering a squad already featuring superstars Shohei Ohtani, Tomohiro Sugano,...
- The Orioles, who signed Sugano to a $13 million contract in 2025, have a vested interest in his performance and well-being leading up to and during the WBC.
MIYAZAKI, Japan – Tomoyuki Sugano continued his preparation for the World Baseball Classic with a bullpen session on Friday in Miyazaki City, according to Jiji Press News. The right-hander, currently a free agent after previously playing with the Baltimore Orioles, is a key piece of Samurai Japan’s pitching staff as they gear up for the international tournament.
Sugano’s session comes as Japan’s national team added 11 new players to its WBC roster on , bolstering a squad already featuring superstars Shohei Ohtani, Tomohiro Sugano, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The addition of Sugano, a three-time Central League MVP in Nippon Professional Baseball, provides significant depth and experience to the pitching rotation.
The Orioles, who signed Sugano to a $13 million contract in , have a vested interest in his performance and well-being leading up to and during the WBC. Orioles pitching coach Drew French expressed his eagerness to work with Sugano from the outset, even making an effort to learn basic Japanese phrases to facilitate communication. French noted Sugano’s professional approach and impressive stuff during early bullpen sessions, particularly praising his splitter.
Sugano made a strong first impression during Spring Training with the Orioles, tossing two scoreless innings in his Grapefruit League debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates on . He showcased all six of his pitches, averaging 92.1 mph with his four-seam fastball. Veteran catchers Gary Sánchez and Adley Rutschman both lauded Sugano’s command and pinpoint accuracy during batting practice sessions.
While Sugano’s velocity and pitch movement have drawn praise, his ability to locate pitches consistently has been a recurring theme in assessments from Orioles personnel. French highlighted Sugano’s “slow heartbeat” and professional demeanor, suggesting a pitcher capable of handling pressure situations. Rutschman’s experience catching Sugano in live batting practice further underscored his control and precision.
The Samurai Japan roster is taking shape, with Ohtani, Yusei Kikuchi, and Hiroki Matsui previously announced as participants. Names like Kazuma Okamoto, Sotaka Murakami, and Yoshinobu Yamamoto have also been mentioned as potential additions, signaling a formidable lineup for the tournament. However, it’s anticipated that many MLB players will not attend the Miyazaki training camp in February, focusing instead on preparing with their respective major league teams.
The team is scheduled to hold warm-up games at the Nagoya Dome on and , providing a crucial opportunity for players to gel and fine-tune their strategies before the start of the WBC. The Dodgers are also contributing to the preparation, with staff members joining the Miyazaki camp to support Samurai Japan.
The collaboration between the Dodgers and Samurai Japan reflects a growing trend of MLB-NPB cooperation, fostering a cross-cultural exchange of baseball knowledge and expertise. This partnership is expected to benefit both organizations, with the Dodgers gaining insights into Japanese pitching philosophies and Samurai Japan leveraging data-driven approaches to enhance their performance.
Sugano’s journey to the MLB and now his participation in the WBC represents a significant moment for Japanese baseball. As the first Japanese pitcher to record 200 strikeouts in a season since Hideo Nomo, Sugano carries a legacy of excellence and a responsibility to inspire future generations of Japanese players. His performance in the WBC will be closely watched by fans and scouts alike, potentially influencing his future career trajectory.
The Orioles will be monitoring Sugano’s progress closely, hoping he returns to Baltimore healthy and ready to contribute to their pitching staff. His success in the WBC could further solidify his position as a valuable asset for the team, building on the positive impressions he made during Spring Training. The team’s investment in Sugano, coupled with his dedication and talent, suggests a promising future for both the player and the organization.
As Samurai Japan continues its preparations, the focus remains on building a cohesive and competitive team capable of challenging for the WBC title. Sugano’s experience, command, and unwavering professionalism will undoubtedly be instrumental in their pursuit of championship glory.