As the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) season progresses, here is a look at the top news and notes from the past week in Japan’s highest level of professional baseball.
Roki Sasaki’s status to be known after playoffs.
One of the most touted and followed NPB stars of all time, right-handed starter Roki Sasaki’s posting status will be known after Chiba Lotte Marines finish their playoff run.
Many MLB teams do not expect Sasaki to be posted following this season, even though he recently threw his second-career complete game in his last playoff tuneup.
Regardless, that hasn’t stopped MLB executives from getting their eyes on the 22-year-old fireballer, with top members of the Mets, Red Sox, and Diamondbacks’ organizations in Japan to see him pitch recently.
Sasaki —expected to be one of the most sought-after international free agents of all time when he is posted — finished his 2024 regular season posting a 10-5 record with a 2.35 ERA.
Keuchel Likely to Miss First Round of Playoffs
Dallas Keuchel, who has served as a reliable arm in the Lotte Marines starting rotation, will likely miss the first round of playoffs with a strained hamstring.
Keuchel, who joined the Marines during the middle of the season, has made eight starts, going 2-4 with a 3.60 ERA. It is unknown if he will be available if the Marines advance.
Pacific League:
#1 Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
#2 Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters
#3 Chiba Lotte Marines
Central League:
#1 Yomiuri Giants
#2 Hanshin Tigers
#3 Yokohama DeNA BayStars
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With the playoffs starting up shortly, be sure to stay updated with our coverage at World Baseball Network.
You can stream all NPB games on DAZN.
