Softbank Hawks pitcher Liván Moinelo (30), currently in the middle of his preseason buildup, is scheduled to take the mound in his first game action of the season on Thursday during a third-team exhibition against Shikoku IL Ehime at Tama Home Stadium Chikugo.
Pitching chief coach Nobuyuki Kurano (51) confirmed the plan, stating, “We have decided he will pitch on Thursday. This will be a chance to assess where he is right now.” The left-hander is expected to throw around 50 to 60 pitches.
On Monday, Moinelo joined the pitchers’ workout at Mizuho PayPay Dome, going through light throwing and conditioning drills. Earlier on the 8th, he participated in a live batting practice session, throwing 79 pitches to 15 batters and reaching a top speed of 151 km/h.
Moinelo represented Cuba in the World Baseball Classic, but due to suboptimal training conditions in his home country, he was unable to build a solid physical foundation beforehand. As a result, the Hawks have taken a cautious approach in his preparation since returning to Japan. If the outing goes well and he continues to progress smoothly, a return to the first team could come as early as late May.
Last season, Moinelo posted a 12–3 record with a 1.46 ERA, earning both the Pacific League MVP and the league’s Best ERA Award. The ace southpaw’s comeback is drawing closer.
