An injury warning has been issued for the Japanese baseball team, which is trying to win its second consecutive World Baseball Classic (WBC) title.

Japanese media, including “Sports Hochi,” reported on the 11th that Hanshin Tigers right-hander Daichi Ishii was pulled out due to an injury during the appearance of the spring camp’s own Cheongbaek match in Okinawa.

According to the report, Ishii injured his leg while running to cover behind the home plate after allowing a hit with runners on second base and left the ground on a stretcher.

Tyra Kaima failed to play in the WBC due to a calf injury. 사진=ⓒAFPBBNews = News1 사진 확대 Tyra Kaima failed to play in the WBC due to a calf injury. 사진=ⓒAFPBBNews = News1

Sports Hochi said Ishii complained of pain near his left knee and left ankle.

The Japanese national team will start training camp from the 14th. Daichi’s injury came just before the camp.

Ishii pitched 53 games and 53 innings for Hanshin last season, recording an overwhelming record of seven walks and 42 strikeouts without a 0.17 WHIP 0.830 home run.

This is the second time that a pitcher selected for the Japanese national team has been injured. Earlier, Seibu Lions right-hander Tyra Kaima left due to a left calf injury.

Tyra was 4-2 with 31 saves and a 1.71 ERA in 54 appearances and 52 2/3 innings for Seibu last season. WHIP 1.215 He walked 21 and struck out 53 without a home run.

Rakuten's Fujihira Shoma has been selected as a substitute. Photo = Rakuten Golden Eagles Official X 사진 확대 Rakuten’s Fujihira Shoma has been selected as a substitute. Photo = Rakuten Golden Eagles Official X

Rakuten Golden Eagles right-hander Fujihira Shoma was selected instead.

Fujihira pitched 592/3 innings in 62 games for Rakuten last season, recording 2 wins, 2 losses, 12 saves, a 2.11 ERA, WHIP 1.0896 homers, 20 walks and 66 strikeouts.

Fujihira said on the Rakuten club’s official website, “It’s an honor for you to choose. I will do my best to contribute to the victory of the Samurai Japan,” he said.

Japan was in Group C in the first round at this WBC. They will play Taiwan (6th), South Korea (7th), Australia (8th) and the Czech Republic (10th) in order at the Tokyo Dome, their home stadium.

[KIM JAE HO, MK Sports Reporter]