Ukyo Shuto might not need his bat and glove. But he can still be a difference maker for Samurai Japan in the Premier 12 and beyond.
Monday's game against Australia in its Super Round opener was a great example of that.
Down 2-1 in the seventh inning, Japan manager Atsunori Inaba designated Shuto as a pinch runner for Masataka Yoshida, who reached first base on a single.