Shintaro Fujinami. Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Athletics rookie gets dream matchup vs. fellow countryman

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated Feb 24, 2023 9:20 AM ET

When making the move to the United States, Oakland Athletics pitcher Shintaro Fujinami never could have dreamed his first start would be against someone he played against back home in Japan.

Scheduled to make his spring debut on Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels, Fujinami will face off against Shohei Ohtani.

Both were first-round picks in the 2012 Nippon Professional Baseball Draft, spending the start of their careers in Japan and now meeting again in the U.S.

MLB.com's Martin Gallegos caught up with Fujinami and was able to talk to him through a translator.

"It's a rare matchup," Fujinami said. "I'm pretty sure Japanese fans are looking forward to it. I also look forward to pitching against him, too."

Shintaro Fujinami on facing off against Shohei Ohtani in his Cactus League debut ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/mxB2AuGQvl
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) February 24, 2023

"I'm sure there will be a lot of excitement about seeing these two," Athletics manager Mark Kotsay added. "I think it's been a long time since they've been on the same field together."

When facing live hitters for the first time this spring, Fujinami impressed teammate Tyler Wade.

"It was coming out hot, I was telling everybody that everything out of his hand looked the same. He was tunneling it really well." Wade said.

Shintaro Fujinami facing Tyler Wade in his first live BP of A’s camp. pic.twitter.com/tLV2IKjXt1
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) February 23, 2023

Kotsay revealed the Athletics plan for Fujinama Tuesday.

"I wouldn't see Fuji going any more than two innings," Kotsay said.

With a pitcher-friendly home field in Oakland, he hopes to continue the success he had in Japan and translate it to the MLB in 2023.

Michael Carpenter

Michael is a California kid, living in Arizona as a graduate of The Cronkite School of Journalism, Forks Up. He believes Yadier Molina will be in the Hall, and Dez caught it. Michael njoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two beautiful daughters or playing video games. You can find him on Twitter @_MCSports.

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