The Yakult Swallows have officially announced their starting pitcher for the highly anticipated opening game of the 2025 season against the Yomiuri Giants, set to take place on March 28 at Tokyo Dome. Okugawa Yasunobu, who is entering his sixth season as a professional player, will step onto the mound for this major role for the first time.
This announcement came on March 14, 2025, when the team revealed Okugawa's name on their official X account, accompanied by the team mascot, Tsubakuro. Manager Takatsu Shingo shared the news through handwritten notes, generating excitement among fans and the team alike.
Okugawa, who was drafted first overall by the Yakult Swallows in 2019, previously had notable success, boasting 9 wins and 4 losses from 18 games during his standout season in 2021. Unfortunately, injuries plagued his following years, limiting him to just 8 appearances since 2022.
Despite these challenges, Okugawa showcased impressive skill during the preseason. On March 8, he pitched against the Hiroshima Carp, totaling 5 innings with 4 hits and no runs allowed, proving his readiness for the upcoming season. "I absolutely want to win more than I’m entrusted with," he stated, expressing his determination to succeed.
Manager Takatsu felt confident about Okugawa's capabilities and mentioned, "You will go with 9 days' rest and pitch the first game at Tokyo Dome." Takatsu knew he could count on Okugawa's intriguing record against the Giants, where he has won 3 out of 4 games, with an impressive ERA of 1.96 against them.
Reflecting on his new position, Okugawa shared his surprise and excitement, stating, "I didn’t think it would be me... I was shocked." He emphasized the importance of making a strong start, not only for personal achievement but also for his team, which has high hopes for the upcoming season.
During the announcement, fans flooded social media with supportive comments, highlighting their anticipation for the season’s kickoff. One fan wrote, "It’s what we’ve all been waiting for! Let’s aim for victory this season!"
This season is pivotal for the Yakult Swallows and their players, with the team's slogan, "Swallows Rebirth 2025," echoing their aspirations for a strong comeback. Okugawa's leadership as the opening pitcher sets the tone for their campaign and reflects the team’s youthful tenacity and ambitious goals.
The opening game will feature other exciting matchups across the Central and Pacific Leagues, but the focus will undoubtedly be on Okugawa and his pursuit to make history as he aims to start the season with a bang. Expectations are high, and he intends to rise to the occasion.
With the support of fans and teammates, Okugawa Yasunobu is determined not just to seize this opportunity but to rewrite his narrative and contribute greatly to the team’s success. The excitement surrounding this groundbreaking moment signals promising times for the Swallows as they gear up for the challenges and triumphs of the 2025 season.