Carp Prospects Put in Extra Work on Phoenix League Day Off: Yuto Nakata Says, “There's No Time to Rest”

Several Hiroshima Carp prospects chose to train on the first scheduled day off of the Miyazaki Phoenix League. Yuto Nakata and Nishikawa worked on their hitting, while pitchers including Kurohara, Ryū Satō and Taiga Saitō also reported to the ballpark. With the team at 2–2 after four games, competition for roster spots next season is already underway.

Several young Hiroshima Carp players chose to put in extra work rather than take a day off during the Miyazaki Phoenix League.

Nakata and Nishikawa arrived at the ballpark at 9 a.m. Beginning at 10 a.m., they spent approximately an hour taking swings in a batting cage inside the bullpen, with farm-team hitting coaches Yuichiro Mukae and Tomohito Higashide watching over their work.

Nakata has been in good form, hitting five doubles in four games. Wiping away his sweat, he explained why he had decided to train on his day off.

“There's no time to rest.”

Developmental-contract player Kishimoto also came to the ballpark and worked on tee batting and other hitting drills.

Several pitchers reported for training as well, including Takeshita, who is scheduled to start on October 12, along with Kurohara, Ryū Satō, Taiga Saitō and Kikuchi.

The Carp have played four games in the Phoenix League so far, recording two wins and two losses. With next season's roster spots up for grabs, the competition for places is already underway.