Suzuki Earns Another Start After Strong Outing as Carp Look for a Spark

Keniya Suzuki has earned another opportunity in the Hiroshima Toyo Carp's starting rotation after an impressive performance against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars.

The 28-year-old submarine-style right-hander allowed just two hits and one run over six innings on August 9. Although Hiroshima was shut out 3-0 and Suzuki was unable to earn his first win of the season, his performance gave the Carp another reason for optimism during a difficult stretch.

Manager Takahiro Arai confirmed after the game that Suzuki will make another start.

“He will start again. This time, I want us to give him the win,” Arai said.

The opportunity has come at an important time for Hiroshima.

Left-hander Hiroki Tokoda was recently removed from the roster because of inflammation around his left shoulder. Although the injury was later described as minor and a return after the minimum 10-day period is being considered, the Carp have been forced to adjust their starting rotation.

Suzuki stepped into that opening and immediately responded with his best performance of the season.

His six-inning outing was his longest appearance since joining Hiroshima and his first six-inning start since 2023. He used his unusual submarine delivery and changes in timing to disrupt DeNA's powerful lineup, allowing only one run through the first five innings before completing the sixth.

Despite receiving no offensive support, Suzuki gave Hiroshima's bullpen a much-needed break and demonstrated that he can handle a starting role.

Suzuki himself remained focused on his next assignment.

“I'll make sure to get some rest. I don't know where I'll pitch next yet, but I'll prepare for wherever I'm needed.”

The Carp are expected to use Suzuki in the starting rotation again during their upcoming three-game series against the Hanshin Tigers.

For a team dealing with injuries and an increasingly thin pitching staff, Suzuki's emergence could prove to be one of the more important developments of the second half.

What initially appeared to be an emergency replacement may now be turning into a genuine opportunity for Suzuki to establish himself as a regular member of Hiroshima's rotation.