'韓전 1실점' 日불펜, 전세기 미탑승→'1시간반 거리' 이마이 합류 불투명... Houston "I hope you don't get in touch"

*This content was translated by AI.

The Japanese national team is on alert ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) final round. It has been confirmed that right-hander Yuki Matsumoto (30, Softbank Hawks), who scored one run in relief in against South Korea / vs. Korea on the 7th, did not load himself on a charter flight to the U.S. While the possibility of reinforcing one player in the pitching staff is being discussed, the possibility of leading candidate Tatsuya Imai (28, Houston Astros) joining the team does not appear to be significant.

The Japanese national team also entered Miami, Florida, USA, on a chartered flight on the 11th (Korea Standard Time). In-flight photos of Shohei Ohtani (32, LA Dodgers) and other key players were released, drawing attention, but Matsumoto was the only one among the 30 final entries, raising doubts.

According to multiple Japanese media, including Sponichi Annex, Matsumoto was confirmed not to have crossed into the United States. The reason has not yet come out, but it is expected to be revealed on the 13th when the official press conference of the Japanese national team is held. Japan will play Venezuela in the quarterfinals at 10 a.m. on the 15th, so it is expected to be outlined before then.

It is now Matsumoto's replacement that is drawing attention. The U.S. and Japanese media are the first to mention the joining of Imai, who is on the list of reserve pitchers. Geographically, it is possible to travel by car because it is spring camped in Florida. The distance between West Palm Beach, Houston's camp site, and Miami, where the WBC quarterfinals will be held, is very close to about an hour and a half by car.

However, Imai's team, Houston, is showing a cold reaction. Houston manager Joe Espada said in an interview with Japanese media, "Honestly, I don't want to hear from (the Japanese national team)," about Imai's possible transfer to the WBC. "Now is the time to prepare for our team's season," he said. "I-Mai's physical condition is very good and he plans to play three to four innings in his next appearance. We want him to compete healthy and join our team's opening roster," he stressed.

Although he has not yet been asked to transfer, he declined to say, "I will not comment on that part," when asked if he would allow him to transfer to the national team if he was contacted, but he clearly expressed his intention to prioritize the build-up process within the team over the transfer of his players.

Imai himself said in an interview with Nikkan Sports, "I think the national team will win without me. I don't think it matters. They won't need me," he said. In fact, it seems that the club is blocking the participation, and it is regrettable.

Immediately after arriving in Miami, the Japanese national team is scheduled to conduct official adaptation training on the 13th. It is expected to be able to play against Venezuela in the quarterfinals without filling Matsumoto's vacancy. Left-hander Shinnosuke Ogasawara (Washington Nationals) is also expected to join the team.

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*This content was translated by AI.