Japanese players, including those who are preparing for their major league debuts, took part in preseason training Wednesday, with the start of the dramatically altered 2020 season approaching later this month.
Left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, who is entering his second season with the Seattle Mariners after an uneven rookie campaign, threw 40 pitches in live batting practice at T-Mobile Park. He faced 10 batters and struck out three.
"I was worried because it's been a while, but I was able to get ahead in the count. I threw pretty hard today but I'm sure I can increase my velocity," Kikuchi said.