Reporter Seo Jang-won = Lars Nutba (26, St. Louis Cardinals), a Japanese-American player participating in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC) as a member of the Japanese baseball team, stepped on Japanese soil.

Japanese media Sports Hochi reported on the 2nd, “Nutba arrived at Haneda Airport in Japan on the 2nd.”

According to the rules of the tournament, which states that a country can be selected according to the lineage or place of birth of parents or grandparents, the Japanese national team selected Nutba, a Japanese-American player. It is in the same context that the Korean national team selected Korean-American Tommy Hyeon-su Edman (St. Louis). Nutba’s mother is Japanese.

Nutba, who currently plays for St. Louis, made his big league debut in 2021 and was recognized as a potential player after playing in 58 games. Last season, he played 108 games, nearly twice as many as his first year, posting a batting average of 0.228, 14 homers, 40 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.788.

He made his debut on the WBC stage wearing a uniform for the Japanese national team, and he is highly likely to face off against Edmon, a teammate selected for the Korean national team, in a Korea-Japan match, drawing much attention.

Nutba, who met the reporters at the airport, greeted them in Japanese and responded to their hospitality. “It’s been a long trip, but joining the national team is fun. I’m nervous and looking forward to it. Most of all, I’m looking forward to the day I fight on behalf of Japan. I’m looking forward to the day I can play with players representing Japan.” expressed his feelings.

Nutba, who came to Japan while training at his team’s spring camp, showed confidence in his physical condition.토토사이트

He emphasized, “I am in the best condition. I was able to arrive in Japan in the best condition because I had time to adjust my batting and defense at camp. It is really good.”

He also revealed his firm determination to join the WBC. He said Nutba “will play with all his might in both offense and defense with the goal of winning.”

Nutba goes straight to Nagoya and joins a behind-the-scenes training session at the Vantelin Dome. Locally, Nutba is expected to form the outfield with Masataka Yoshida (Boston Red Sox) and Kensuke Kondo (Softbank Hawks).