‘Lot of Fun to Watch’: Sugano Fills Up Zone in Spring Debut for O’s

V When the Orioles signed Japanese right-hander Toshiya Sugano in the offseason, expectations were high but also filled with intrigue. Would Sugano, a highly successful pitcher in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), be able to translate his impressive skills to Major League Baseball? His debut in spring training on February 26 against the Pittsburgh Pirates provided a resounding answer to that question, as Sugano’s performance was nothing short of dazzling.

Filled with poise, control, and impressive command of all his pitches, Sugano dominated the Pirates’ lineup in his first outing for the Orioles. His performance wasn’t just about getting outs; it was about showing the promise of what could be a key piece in Baltimore’s rotation moving forward. Sugano filled up the strike zone early and often, and his stuff was sharp, demonstrating why the Orioles’ gamble on his transition to MLB could pay off handsomely.

In front of a packed stadium of Orioles faithful and spring training observers, Sugano’s debut was more than just a chance to see a new face on the mound—it was an audition, a demonstration that he could adapt to the big league game. As the 2025 season looms, his performance in his first spring training game has elevated his stock, and the Orioles’ management is likely already considering how Sugano could fit into their plans for the upcoming season.

The Story Behind Sugano’s Journey to the Orioles

Before diving into the details of Sugano’s spring training debut, it’s important to understand the context of his journey to Major League Baseball. Born in Japan, Sugano developed a reputation as one of the best pitchers in NPB. Over the course of his career with the Yomiuri Giants, he became a multiple-time NPB All-Star, winning the Sawamura Award (equivalent to the Cy Young in MLB) in 2017 and 2020. His fastball and slider were his signature pitches, with a sneaky changeup that kept hitters off balance.

Sugano’s decision to make the jump to MLB was highly anticipated by baseball fans and experts around the world. After years of being one of the top pitchers in Japan, Sugano tested the waters in the international free-agent market. His skill set, which includes pinpoint control and the ability to dominate hitters with a variety of pitches, made him an attractive option for MLB teams looking to bolster their rotations.

The Orioles, amidst a rebuilding phase, saw Sugano as a potential key addition to their pitching staff, providing them with a veteran presence who could mentor younger players and potentially contribute immediately. It was a calculated move by the Orioles, who have made great strides in rebuilding their roster with a mix of young talent and experienced players. With a more competitive season on the horizon, the Orioles recognized the value of bringing in a proven winner like Sugano to help strengthen their starting rotation.

Sugano’s Spring Training Debut: A Pitched Perfection

When Sugano took the mound for his spring training debut against the Pittsburgh Pirates, it was clear from the outset that he was ready to show exactly what he could bring to the table. His first pitch was a 91 mph fastball for a strike, setting the tone for the rest of the outing. From the moment he delivered his first pitch, Sugano’s composure was evident. It’s clear that, despite the transition to a new league, Sugano’s poise on the mound was just as polished as his fastball.

Command of the Fastball

One of the first things that stood out about Sugano’s performance was his fastball command. He was able to throw it consistently for strikes, locating it both on the edges of the strike zone and up in the zone to get swings and misses. The fastball, while not the hardest pitch in the world at 91-93 mph, had enough movement to keep hitters off balance. It’s the kind of fastball that thrives when paired with exceptional command, and Sugano demonstrated that his ability to locate the pitch was already at a high level.

Against the Pirates, Sugano used his fastball to get ahead in counts, and that allowed him to attack hitters with confidence. He didn’t waste any pitches and was efficient in terms of pitch count. By working the fastball inside and outside, Sugano forced Pirates hitters into uncomfortable counts early in their at-bats, which allowed him to have the upper hand throughout the outing.

The Slider: A Weapon Against Righties and Lefties Alike

Sugano’s slider is one of the defining pitches of his career. Throughout his NPB tenure, it was often his go-to pitch for strikeouts, and against the Pirates, it was evident that he hadn’t lost any of its effectiveness. The slider had sharp, late-breaking movement that kept hitters from squaring up the ball. He threw it to both right-handed and left-handed batters, showing the versatility of the pitch.

What was particularly impressive was Sugano’s ability to throw his slider for strikes, either in or out of the strike zone. He used it as a chase pitch when ahead in counts, and it generated plenty of swings and misses. However, he also showed that he could throw it for strikes to keep hitters honest and prevent them from sitting on the fastball. His command of the slider allowed him to use it in a variety of counts, making it a true weapon in his arsenal.

The Changeup: Keeping Hitters Off Balance

Though Sugano’s fastball and slider were the most talked-about pitches after the game, his changeup was another key to his success against the Pirates. The changeup had plenty of movement and could be used in any count, effectively neutralizing hitters looking for a fastball. Sugano’s ability to locate the changeup low in the strike zone created a pitch that was both difficult to pick up and tough to make solid contact with.

A well-placed changeup is always a good pitch for a starter, and Sugano’s command of it proved to be an asset in keeping the Pirates’ hitters off balance. He was able to throw it as an off-speed pitch after using his fastball and slider to set hitters up, giving them something completely different to think about. This is the hallmark of a mature pitcher—understanding how to work all of your pitches together to set up the opposition for failure. Sugano’s experience in Japan has clearly prepared him for success in this area, and it’s something that should continue to benefit him in the majors.

Efficient Pitching and Control

One of the most impressive aspects of Sugano’s debut was his efficiency on the mound. In his two innings of work, Sugano was able to keep his pitch count low while still filling up the strike zone. His ability to work quickly and limit his walks (he walked none in his outing) will be a significant asset for the Orioles. In MLB, where pitch counts often dictate the length of a starter’s outing, having a pitcher who can keep the ball in the zone and limit free passes is crucial.

Sugano’s efficiency was also highlighted by his ability to consistently get early contact and induce ground balls. The Pirates’ hitters weren’t able to square up many balls, and that’s always a sign of a pitcher who has command over the game. Sugano’s fastball command, combined with his ability to mix in his off-speed pitches, allowed him to dictate the pace of the game and avoid long at-bats, a common pitfall for pitchers still adjusting to the MLB environment.

The Impact on the Orioles’ Rotation

Sugano’s spring training debut has undoubtedly boosted his stock as he vies for a spot in the Orioles’ starting rotation. With the Orioles’ rotation still a work in progress, Sugano’s presence gives them a reliable veteran arm, capable of stabilizing a staff that has been inconsistent in recent years. In a year where the Orioles are hoping to make strides toward playoff contention, having a pitcher who can go deep into games and get outs in big situations will be critical.

Sugano’s performance also gives manager Brandon Hyde and the Orioles’ front office another option when it comes to the composition of the rotation. The team has young arms that have shown promise, but Sugano’s experience and polished approach on the mound could be a difference-maker when it comes to managing innings and preventing injuries. He’s the type of pitcher who could take the pressure off younger arms by anchoring the rotation, allowing them to develop without the added pressure of being the ace.

While spring training stats don’t always tell the full story, Sugano’s performance in this outing suggests he is ready to contribute at the MLB level. His command, his poise, and his mix of pitches are all assets that will serve him well over the course of the season. Orioles fans are sure to be excited about the possibility of seeing Sugano in a competitive role as the 2025 season unfolds.

 A Promising Start for Sugano and the Orioles

In his debut spring training outing, Toshiya Sugano showed exactly why the Orioles made him a priority in the offseason. His ability to fill up the strike zone, mix his pitches, and get hitters out with efficiency and poise makes him a valuable asset for the Orioles moving forward. The early buzz surrounding Sugano is justified, and if he continues to perform this well, he could very well become a key piece in a pitching staff looking to compete in the AL East.

For the Orioles, Sugano’s debut is a step toward building a more well-rounded roster. As the team continues its rebuilding efforts, having a reliable veteran presence like Sugano in the rotation could pay huge dividends. Orioles fans now have another reason to be excited for the 2025 season—Sugano looks ready to deliver. And based on his debut, it’s clear that he will be a lot of fun to watch.