Disappointment grows over the Lotte Giants’ starting pitchers amid mounting calls for rotation changes. The Ulsan-based team relies heavily on Japanese imports who have already secured work visas and settled locally.
Japanese Pitchers Anchor Lotte’s Rotation
Three Japanese pitchers—Okada, Kobayashi, and Naga Daisei—fill key spots. Officials confirm they have integrated smoothly into the KBO environment.
Okada Delivers Steady Performances
Okada posts a 2.53 ERA across four starts with a 2-1 record. He logs 21 1/3 innings, allowing seven runs, six earned. After a March 20 outing with five innings, four hits, and three runs, he secures two straight wins. Against NC on the 11th, he tosses 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball on five hits, one walk, and seven strikeouts for his first quality start.
Naga Daisei Shows Promise
Naga Daisei records a 3.27 ERA in four games with one win and one loss. His March 28 start versus KIA features seven innings, seven hits, one walk, two strikeouts, and two earned runs for his first victory. A loss to KT on the sixth saw 3 2/3 innings with nine hits, one walk, three strikeouts, and five runs. His standout performance came on the 13th against NC: 6 1/3 innings, eight hits, one walk, eight strikeouts, and one run. Despite 22 innings with 29 hits allowed, his FIP sits around 3.00.
Kobayashi Builds Momentum
Kobayashi maintains a 3.38 ERA over four starts with a 1-1 mark. On the 12th versus NC, he delivers six innings, three hits, one walk, five strikeouts, and one earned run (no decision) in his first quality start. His FIP measures 2.83.
Ace Pitcher Takeda Shota Under Fire
The primary concern centers on ace Takeda Shota, formerly of SSG Landers. Demoted to the second team on the 15th, he endures a 13.03 ERA across three starts, all no-decisions. He never reaches five innings, surrendering four earned runs each time. His FIP climbs to 3.91. In seven total appearances, he holds a 1-1 record with a 12.86 ERA.
Despite significant investments and agent commitments, team leaders emphasize securing a reliable ace. Even non-blockbuster signings demand quick returns. Sources indicate replacement discussions intensify as the rotation falters.
