For pitchers facing shortstops, usually the main worry is letting them get on base, where their speed can create problems.

Against Hayato Sakamoto lately, just keeping the ball in the park can be considered a victory.

In his third full season, the Yomiuri Giants star is developing into quite the power hitter and becoming an outlier among a group of players generally known more for their small ball aspects than slugging. Among the current crop of shortstops, Sakamoto is the only one with over 20 home runs.