Kazuma Okamoto Debuts for Blue Jays Saturday in Exhibition Against Phillies
Kazuma Okamoto is set to make his debut for the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday during an exhibition match against the Philadelphia Phillies. This game marks the first competitive appearance for Okamoto in a Blue Jays jersey.
Kazuma Okamoto’s Early Integration into the Team
Due to his upcoming participation in the World Baseball Classic (WBC), Okamoto’s integration into the Blue Jays lineup has been expedited. Manager John Schneider confirmed plans for Okamoto to play in the team’s Grapefruit League home opener, which signals a rapid onboarding process for the new player. Schneider stated, “I’d like for him to play on Saturday, and that’s kind of the plan we’ve talked about with our medical staff,” on February 14.
Initial Game Details
- Opponent: Philadelphia Phillies
- Date: Saturday
- Location: TD Ballpark, Dunedin, Florida
This exhibition game is the first for both teams in the current season. Long reliever Eric Lauer is expected to start on the mound for the Blue Jays.
Okamoto’s Career and Performance History
Okamoto recently signed a four-year contract worth $60 million with the Blue Jays on January 4. Prior to joining Toronto, he played 11 seasons with the Yomiuri Giants in Japan. His career statistics include a .277 batting average, 248 home runs, and 717 runs batted in, along with a .521 slugging percentage. Notably, he led Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) in home runs three times.
As an infielder and outfielder, Okamoto will also represent Japan in the WBC. His training and adaptation process has been described as normal, according to Schneider, who emphasizes the importance of making Okamoto comfortable with the team.
World Baseball Classic Participation
Many Blue Jays players will be participating in this year’s WBC. Notable players include:
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Dominican Republic
- Alejandro Kirk – Mexico
- Andres Gimenez – Venezuela
- Leo Jimenez – Panama
- Ernie Clement – United States
Schneider expressed some apprehension regarding the number of key players participating in the tournament. He noted, “I’d be lying if I said no,” during a press interaction on February 13, while acknowledging the significance of the event.
Upcoming Schedule for the Blue Jays
Toronto has nine exhibition games planned before players depart for their international teams, including two split-squad games on February 28. Schneider indicated that Okamoto is expected to play on multiple occasions leading up to the WBC.
In a change from previous commitments, Kirk will not be participating in the 2023 WBC, opting to focus on his family following the birth of his daughter. Kirk expressed enthusiasm about the WBC, stating, “The WBC, for me, is one of the best events in baseball, so I’m very excited to represent Mexico.”
