Orioles Pitcher Shines in Spring Training Debut

Many questions were asked when the Orioles signed 35-year-old starting pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano. The Orioles headed into the offseason with speculation that they would pursue a top pitcher. Whether it was re-signing Corbin Burnes or a top free agent like Max Fried. While the speculation never came to fruition, the Orioles did acquire MLB newcomer Tomoyuki Sugano. When signing overseas players, especially if they are older, you never know what to expect. However, if Sugano’s spring training debut is a sign of what’s to come for the regular season, the Orioles rotation might be in good hands.

Heading into his spring training debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and his first outing against MLB talent, Sugano was not going to go far into the game. Orioles management wanted Sugano to throw around 30 to 40 pitches in his first start. Although, Sugano only needed six to get through the first inning. The second inning, however, was a bit more difficult. With two outs to start the inning after Endy Rodríguez popped out to third base, and Ke’Bryan Hayes hit a fly ball to right field, Sugano gave up a base hit to former Oriole Adam Frazier. Sugano proceeded to walk his next batter but was able to get out of the inning when Darick Hall grounded out to second base. This concluded Sugano’s day after two scoreless innings.

Although Tomoyuki Sugano only pitched two innings, they were a solid two innings. When Sugano was signed, he was never expected to fill the ace role that Corbin Burnes left on the team. However, with consistent starts, Sugano could play a vital role in providing more depth to this Orioles rotation. Sugano employs a pitch-to-contact style, which could be what this Orioles team needs for the middle of their rotation.