Spring Headlines: Kenta Maeda dazzles in Dodgers debut
With spring training in full swing now we’re finally getting our first official look at several players new to MLB and several players who changed uniforms during the offseason. Among those of note on Saturday was Japanese right-hander Kenta Maeda, who made his much anticipated debut for the Dodgers with a dazzling two-inning performance against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
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Granted, two innings is a small sample size, but baseball fans in general were dying for a glimpse of the 27-year-old star. He didn’t disappoint, striking out two, walking one and allowing one hit on 28 pitches. Maeda was also assisted by a now completely healthy Yasmani Grandal, who threw out Phil Gosselin trying to steal third base to end the first inning.
Overall, Maeda was very pleased with his command and his poise given the pressure involved. These weren’t just two meaningless innings on March 5. They were his introduction to baseball fans in the United States, which weighed heavily on his mind leading in.
“I was glad to be able to pitch well so I can be prepared for the season opening,” said Maeda. “I wanted to throw a lot of strikes and I was glad I could pitch well in front of the fans. It was good overall.”
Maeda made a believer out of fans, and he also made a believer out of his catcher.
You only get one chance to make a first impression. Maeda handled that very well on Saturday, and did so without giving too much away. Look out, baseball.
OTHER SPRING HEADLINES
Awkward reunion: Jordan Zimmermann made his Tigers debut Saturday, pitching against his former team the Nationals. Zimmermann allowed one run over 2 2/3 innings while Stephen Strasburg allowed two runs over two innings.
Season Preview: Will Joey Votto lead the Reds to a respectable season? [The Stew]
Down and out: Braves left-handed reliever Andrew McKirahan will miss the 2016 season after suffering a torn elbow ligament in his first spring training appearance. [Atlanta Journal Constitution]
Ailing: Adam LaRoche was forced to leave Saturday’s game with back spasms. [@PWSullivan]
Lean on me: How Blue Jays hitters are leaning on each other to elevate an already elite offense. [Yahoo Sports Canada]
Knuckleball: Veteran slugger Dan Johnson is attempting to transition into a knuckleball pitcher. [The Stew]
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
