Tomoyuki Sugano, the Baltimore Orioles’ starting pitcher, is proving his resilience after facing a rocky start in his first Major League Baseball season. The 35-year-old right-hander, making the transition from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), has overcome early challenges to affirm his value within the Orioles’ rotation.

Since signing a one-year, $13 million contract with the Orioles in the offseason, Sugano entered MLB with high expectations as a dependable back-end starter. His years of success in Japan, beginning in 2013 when he was 23, established him as a seasoned competitor ready to contribute at the highest level.

Initial Success and Underlying Challenges in MLB Debut Season

Sugano’s debut with Baltimore showed promise, as he limited opponents to two runs over four innings. His earned run average (ERA) remained below 3.00 for nearly three months, suggesting steadiness. However, advanced statistics such as Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) revealed inconsistencies, with numbers climbing as high as 5.89 early on and never dipping below 4.11, signaling potential trouble beneath the surface.

During this period, Sugano maintained respectable performances while adjusting to the rigors and unpredictability of major league hitters, a step up from his prior experience in Japan.

The Impact of Pitch Tipping on Sugano’s Performance Decline

Trouble intensified following a start against the Seattle Mariners on June 3, when Sugano’s ERA was 3.04. In the next seven starts, he allowed three or more earned runs each time, leading to increased scrutiny over whether opposing teams had decoded his pitching patterns. The possibility that Sugano was inadvertently tipping his pitches became a central concern.

His outing against the Cleveland Guardians on July 21 underscored this issue, as he lasted only 3.2 innings while surrendering four runs (three earned), six hits, and four walks. Speaking after the game, Sugano acknowledged the possibility of pitch tipping, stating,

“Until my next outing, I’m going to talk to my pitching coach and try to make adjustments.”

—Tomoyuki Sugano, Orioles pitcher

Adjustments and the Path Toward Regaining Stability

Moving forward, communication with his coaching staff has become essential for Sugano as he works to address these vulnerabilities. MLB hitters are adept at spotting patterns and exploiting small weaknesses, making the correction of pitch tipping crucial for Sugano’s success and the Orioles’ competitive hopes this season.

Drawing on his extensive pitching experience and determination, Sugano is focused on making the necessary technical tweaks to reclaim his form. His ability to adapt will not only reinforce his role in the Orioles’ rotation but also demonstrate the value he brings as a veteran transitioning from NPB to the MLB.

The Significance of Sugano’s Comeback for the Orioles and MLB

Tomoyuki Sugano’s MLB comeback holds importance beyond personal achievement; it reflects the challenges international players face adjusting to major league play and the pressure to perform consistently. His resurgence could inspire confidence within the Orioles’ pitching staff and contribute positively to the team’s pursuit of a stronger season.

As Sugano continues to refine his approach and silence critics, his journey highlights the delicate balance between talent, adaptation, and mental toughness required in the MLB. The upcoming games will be telling, as he aims to solidify his place and help the Orioles improve their standing in a competitive league.