Naoyuki Uwasawa, who signed a minor league deal with Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays, said Thursday he is working to bring his best stuff to America.
After being posted by the Nippon Ham Fighters over the offseason, Uwasawa is currently working out at the Pacific League club's spring training facility in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, before leaving for America on Saturday.
"I feel a little nervous because I'm going with the expectation that the competition (for MLB jobs) begins on Day 1, but I'm also looking forward to it," Uwasawa said.
"I am working to be able to throw my splitter low regardless of the count."
He said he's been happy with his adjustment to the MLB ball which is somewhat slicker than the one used in Japan's leagues.
"I haven't had any particular issues with it," Uwasawa said. "Conversely, it appears to make my splitter drop more."
For now, at least, Uwasawa is leaving his family behind in Japan.
"I don't think I will miss Japanese food, but not being with the Fighters is going to be sad," he said.
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