Foreign batter Jose Osuna of the Japanese league, whose bat missed and struck the umpire's head, now hits the catcher's head → "It's you again? Take measures!"

*This content was translated by AI.

Jose Osuna (34), a foreign batter for the Yakult Swallows of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), has once again become the protagonist of a terrifying incident. Just ten days ago, he sent an umpire to the operating table by losing control of his bat; this time, he struck the opposing team's catcher on the head, turning the Japanese baseball world upside down.

According to reports from Japanese media such as Chunichi Sports, the incident occurred on the 25th during the top of the eighth inning of a game between the Chunichi Dragons and the Yakult Swallows at the Vantelin Dome Nagoya in Japan. With Chunichi leading 5-2, there was one out with runners on first and second base, creating a scoring crisis. On the mound was Chunichi's second pitcher, Neo Akira, and the catcher was wearing a mask, with Yuta Ishii, who had recorded a home run that day and was performing brilliantly.

Osuna swung his bat with full force at a one-bounce forkball thrown by Neo. It was a swing and a miss. However, the accident occurred immediately after. The rotational force of Osuna's full swing, emanating from his large frame, carried through directly, and the end of the bat struck the back of catcher Ishii's helmet with great force.

A dull thud instantly echoed through the stadium, and Ishii collapsed to the ground, complaining of pain. The stands fell into silence. Not only the Chunichi bench but also Yakult officials rushed onto the field, their faces pale with shock.

The reason for such a sensitive reaction was the "incident" that occurred just nine days prior. On the 16th during a game against Yokohama, Osuna had lost control of his bat mid-swing, which struck the head of umpire Takuto Kawakami. At the time, it was reported through the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball Organization) office that the umpire was transported by ambulance and underwent emergency surgery. It was later confirmed that he is recovering in the intensive care unit following the surgery.

Fortunately, catcher Ishii avoided serious injury. After receiving first aid while retreating to the bench, he displayed the fighting spirit to return to the field. Fans, who had been terrified, finally offered applause of relief, but local public opinion has cooled sharply.

Following the game, Japanese media articles are filled with fan criticism and concern directed at Osuna. Responses such as "One time is a mistake, but twice in a short period is a habit," "After sending an umpire to surgery, why hasn't his swing trajectory changed?" and "There is a need for league-level sanctions or measures against swings that threaten the lives of catchers and umpires" are predominant.

Osuna, who has been playing in Japan since the 2021 season, is a powerful hitter representing NPB, but his excessively large follow-through swing and poor bat control after swinging have emerged as a serious problem threatening the safety of fellow players. With the news of the umpire's emergency surgery followed by the incident of directly striking the opposing catcher, concerns over Osuna's "dangerous bat" are growing.

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*This content was translated by AI.