Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters
PITCHER HEALTH
Preseason 2026 injury analysis, durability risk profiles, and return timelines for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters pitching rotation.
ROTATION OUTLOOK
Hokkaido features excellent durability led by Hiromi Ito's elite command and WBC selection. Sapporo's Fighters emphasize pitching development and sustainable mechanics.
KEY PITCHERS
Hiromi Ito
RHP • #1 Starter
Injury History
Elite 2024: 2.65 ERA across 176.1 IP with 4.7 WAR. WBC 2026 selection. Exceptional durability.
Durability Risk Profile
Ito is the Fighters' ace with outstanding durability and control. His clean injury history and WBC selection make him one of NPB's most reliable starters.
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Kohei Arihara
RHP • #2 Starter
Injury History
Former MLB pitcher (Rangers). NPB return. Some injury history but productive back in Japan.
Durability Risk Profile
Arihara brings MLB experience with moderate durability concerns. His NPB performance has improved since returning.
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Drew VerHagen
RHP • #3 Starter
Injury History
Foreign import. Former MLB pitcher. Generally durable in NPB.
Durability Risk Profile
VerHagen provides veteran stability with solid durability during his NPB tenure.
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Takahide Ikeda
LHP • #4 Starter
Injury History
Young left-hander. Limited professional data but clean early health record.
Durability Risk Profile
Ikeda is a rising prospect with no significant injury concerns early in his career.
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