Tsutsugo is 4-for-17 with one home run, three runs scored, five RBI and two walks through his first five major-league games.Tsutsugo's signing period for MLB clubs began Monday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.Tsutsugo reached base twice, singling to center field and walking.
The 28-year-old is a defensively limited player, but he should be able to hit fairly well even after the step up in competition. It's worth noting Tsutsugo was known as a solid contact hitter during his first nine seasons in the Japan Central League, but he did strike out a career-high 141 times over 557 plate appearances during his final season there in 2019.After spring training was suspended in mid-March, Tsutsugo returned to his home country to continue working out on his own.
MLB teams will have until 5:00 pm ET on Dec. 19 to reach an agreement with Tsutsugo, with his former NPB club, Yokohama, receiving compensation as part of the deal. I've finally become a major leaguer," said Akiyama, who came off the bench after being a starter and playing in every game over the past five seasons with the Seibu Lions. Tampa Bay on Monday announced it signed the 28-year-old Tsutsugo to a two-year, $12 million deal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc.The offseason import looked good in left field and was also holding his own at third base, which is encouraging from a roster flexibility perspective. Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, making his MLB debut, stepped up to the plate in the top of the 6th inning set to face Blue Jays starter Hyun Jin Ryu for the third time of the contest. Yoshitomo Tsutsugo celebrates with Hunter Renfroe after homering for the Rays in his MLB debut on Friday in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Additionally, Zachary Silver of MLB.com reports manager Kevin Cash had previously indicated he was pleased with how the offseason acquisition was coming along.
He owns a strong .285/.382/.528 slash line over 10 NPB seasons, but he offers little on the defensive side of the ball.© 2005-2020 CBS INTERACTIVE. "[I was] cautiously optimistic about how it would play out, because we bet on the guys that we already had, but it takes two to develop those relationships.
His production hasn't slowed since; he posted a .899 OPS or higher in each of the last four seasons and a combined 139 home runs over that span. "He's done a really good job. It's worth noting Tsutsugo was known as a solid contact hitter during his first nine seasons in the Japan Central League, but he did strike out a career-high 141 times over 557 plate appearances during his final season there in 2019.After spring training was suspended in mid-March, Tsutsugo returned to his home country to continue working out on his own. Tsutsugo is 4-for-17 with one home run, three runs scored, five RBI and two walks through his first five major-league games.Tsutsugo's signing period for MLB clubs began Monday, Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports.Tsutsugo reached base twice, singling to center field and walking.
Austin Meadows continues to recover from his previous positive COVID-19 test as Opening Day quickly approaches, and Tsutsugo does bring a left-handed power bat to the equation. Yoshitomo Tsutsugo Statcast, Visuals & Advanced Metrics | MLB.com
Really, really good job overall," Cash said.
The Rays have prioritized adding offense this offseason, and they hope to have found it in Japanese outfielder/infielder Yoshitomo Tsutsugo.
He impressed with his ability to hit the ball hard in Japan, but now the question will be if that power will translate to the Major League level.
Tsutsugo had a team-high 13 strikeouts in Grapefruit League play, but he also drew three walks and laced both a double and a home run over 12 exhibitions. Despite some of the contact issues he endured before play was paused, hopes remain high for Tsutsugo, who's also caught manager Kevin Cash's eye with his defense at both third base and left field.The 28-year-old started the first two games of the season and went 1-for-8 with a two-run home run, but he'll take a seat for the series finale.
I think he's done an awesome job [of] going out of his way and connecting with pitchers, position players and staff.
"The slugger comes over from Japan after posting six straight seasons with an OPS of .899 or better.
[Rebroadcast] Fear and loathing on Mount FujiVegan bakeries are on the rise in TokyoTsutsugo, who signed with the Rays over the winter, blasted an opposite-field home run off Blue Jays starter Ryu Hyun-Jin with his team trailing 6-1 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.Redefining the kimono in modern timesEvery team will play 60 games.