OSAKA –
Despite some early jitters in an exhibition game, veteran pitcher Yusei Kikuchi is aiming to make an impact for Japan at the World Baseball Classic, both on and off the field.
At 34, Kikuchi is making his Samurai Japan debut and is one of the oldest members of the team. It’s hoped that he can serve in a role similar to the one Yu Darvish fulfilled in the last tournament.
Darvish, who isn’t taking part this time, appeared in multiple games for defending champion Japan in the 2023 WBC, including pitching two innings in the quarterfinals against Italy and coming out of the bullpen in the championship game.