TOKYO – Cubs lefty Matt Boyd didn’t seem moved by his own increase in velocity.
In the Cubs’ 4-2 win against the Yomiuri Giants in an exhibition game Sunday, Boyd threw four shutout innings in relief, in the latest step of his spring training buildup. And, pitching in the Tokyo Dome in front of 42,000 fans, he clocked in at least 94.5 mph five times.
“One thing you’ll learn about me is I’m not really aiming for anything in terms of velocity,” Boyd said. “The checkpoints for me are staying in my delivery, staying behind the baseball, driving it down so it can have the life up – as backwards as that sounds. When the uptick’s there, that’s great. My game isn’t based off that. It’s about changing speeds and moving it up and around.”
After a strong partial season back from Tommy John surgery last year, the Cubs saw even more room for potential in Boyd, who is set to be a fixture in their rotation. But they will be especially mindful of his health.
“Part of him pitching in the exhibition game, and not against the Dodgers, was to just keep him on the healthy, correct preparation for a season,” manager Craig Counsell said. “And tonight was another good step in that direction. I thought it was his best outing so far this spring.”
Boyd limited the Giants to three hits in their home stadium. He and starter Jameson Taillon, who allowed one run and four hits in 4 ⅔ innings, covered most of the game.
Reliever Daniel Palencia bridged the gap. He recorded two outs in the fifth inning, issued a walk and gave up an RBI double to Giants power hitter Kazuma Okamoto.
Counsell praises Okamoto
Before the game Sunday, a Japanese reporter asked Counsell if there were any particular players on the Giants that he was paying particular attention to. Counsell had a more specific answer after, in response to a question about Okamoto.
“That was definitely a player I had my eye on,” Counsell said. “And he had a couple very good swings today, handled some velocity today with the double off Palencia. He looks like a very good hitter.”
Okamoto has reportedly drawn MLB scouts’ attention, but estimates for his posting seem to be speculatory. On Sunday, playing first base and batting cleanup, Okamoto went 2-for-3 with a single and two-run double.
People are talking about it
The buzz surrounding the Tokyo Series reached Counsell even outside of the Tokyo Dome.
“Just jumping in a taxi or an Uber, and they don’t know who you are, but mentioning the series,” Counsell said. “Everybody’s very aware of the series, that that is evident, for sure – more than I feel like it would be in America. More people are talking about it, absolutely. So that’s a great feeling. The players love big events. And that’s why we do this; that’s why we love to do it. So to be a part of that is another reason it’s so special.”
The Cubs have a workout scheduled Monday, before opening the regular season Tuesday against the Dodgers.