Current 2016 stats: 21 GS, 9-7, 3.23 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 120 IP, 98 H, 32 BB, 120 K
Projected: 33 GS, 14-11, 3.23 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 189 IP, 154 H, 50 BB, 189 K
Coming over from Japan on one of the better bargains of the offseason, the 28-year-old right-hander has been everything the Dodgers could have asked for and more.
While his numbers do not exactly compare with some of the brilliant years he had with the Hiroshima Carp, he has come unexpectedly close. Furthermore, keep in mind that this is his first year facing big league batters.
With his great mind for pitching comes an avenue for continued growth. Initially signed as a hopeful solid piece to LA’s staff, he has turned into one of the anchors of it in a heartbeat.
