In a spring training matchup at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on March 22, Samsung Lions reliever Yuura Miyaji (27) issued two more walks on fastballs, highlighting persistent control issues despite a scoreless outing against the LG Twins.
Relief Appearance Exposes Command Problems
Miyaji entered in the top of the sixth inning, pitching one scoreless frame with two walks and one strikeout. Batters fouled off changeups relentlessly but laid off fastballs with precision, forcing walks without much effort from the Samsung ace.
Precise fastball location proves essential in KBO competition. Without it, even a potent changeup falls short as a standalone weapon.
Velocity Strong, Command Lacking
Miyaji touched 144 km/h on his fastball, showing solid curveball command. However, fastball accuracy remains inconsistent, preventing him from dominating hitters directly.
Analysts agree this does not reflect his full potential. The right-hander relies on mid-150 km/h fastballs to set up forkballs and sliders at sharp angles, with the changeup serving as a key third pitch. Subpar command limits the changeup’s effectiveness, as it fails to generate sufficient rise.
Spring Training Stats Paint Clear Picture
Across five appearances this spring, Miyaji has logged roughly five innings while facing 27 batters, surrendering just two hits. Yet, he has issued four free passes—including nine walks and one hit-by-pitch—amid a low opponents’ batting average of 0.118.
Those free passes carry heavy consequences, boosting opponents’ slugging percentage to 2.20 per inning on walks alone. Two of those walks directly contributed to home runs, underscoring the cost of control lapses.
Manager Park Offers Patient Outlook
Prior to a March 17 relief stint against SSG Landers—where Miyaji allowed two runs in the second inning—Samsung manager Park Jin-man emphasized patience.
“Miyaji needs more time to sharpen up,” Park stated. “His game sense remains limited right now. He lacked reps during camp and requires additional adjustment time. That said, with his natural stuff, he will improve significantly once adapted.”
