Hideaki Wakui's fresh start with the Chiba Lotte Marines hit a rough patch on Wednesday, when the right-hander surrendered eight runs in five innings in a 12-5 preseason loss to the Yomiuri Giants.
The 27-year-old former Lions ace joined Lotte in the offseason as a free agent after struggling to stay in Seibu's starting rotation the past two seasons. Against the Giants, Wakui allowed nine hits while striking out three in his first game with the Marines at QVC Marine Field.
"My arm action was a little weak," said Wakui, a former Sawamura Award winner who has twice led the Pacific League in wins. "I threw fat pitches to the batters at the bottom of the order."