The Cuban starting pitcher last season with the Chunichi Dragons, Yariel Rodríguez from Camagüey, could be converted to reliever this season, according to the Dora Hot Plus program of the Japanese channel Tokai TV.
According to the team’s manager, Kazuyoshi Tatsunami, everything will depend on the progress of Japanese rookie Hiroto Takahashi, who is looking to earn a spot in the starting rotation this year. If he pulls it off, then the West Indian could be moved to the bullpen.
Meanwhile, the club’s pitching coach, Eiji Ochiai, had already revealed the idea in a radio program last month and said at the time that it is just an idea and that there is no official decision on it.
However, recent words from manager Tatsunami seem to confirm that the plan is on track.
Ochiai explained that Yariel Rodriguez’s nine-inning strikeout rate last year (8.90) is a good indication of the success he could have in the bullpen, which is why he’s being considered for a transfer to that role.
The right-hander from Camagüey pitched 61.2 innings at a rate of 61 strikeouts, 38 walks, 56 hits allowed -with eight home runs included- and 24 earned runs for an average of 3.65. Hence his high WIHP of 1.52 that gave him a balance of four losses with just one victory.
With the Chunichi Dragons, which compete in the Central League in the Japanese professional baseball season, three other Cuban players also play: Raidel Martínez, closer pitcher from Pinar del Río, Ariel Martínez, catcher from Matanzas, and Dayán Viciedo, first baseman from Villa Clara, who does no contract with the national commission.
