Cincinnati Reds: Akiyama back at spring training following wife’s health scare

Our news partner WCPO was among organizations to report a woman had to be flown to a local hospital that day after being injured at a park in Sharon Woods, but Akaya Akiyama was not identified at that time.

Through an interpreter, her husband said she was improving but “has some serious injuries here and there.”

Shogo Akiyama, who signed a three-year contract worth $21 million last year, spent the past week in Cincinnati to be with her in the hospital as well as tend to their children, whom he said are OK.

“I think it was the inevitable time that I needed with this week away,” he said. “I know the only way I can get back to them is by producing results, so I just need to work hard from here on.”

The first Japanese player to sign with the Reds, Akiyama started 36 games in left field and 21 more in centerfield last season.

He hit .245 with six doubles, a triple and seven stolen bases during the coronavirus-shortened campaign. His average was third on the team among the Reds regulars, but his .654 OPS was worst among Reds with at least 100 plate appearances.

Manager David Bell hopes to see more from him after a year to get acclimated to the majors.

“We signed him for all the success he’s had and we knew it would translate,” said Bell of the player who hit .301 with 20 home runs in his last season in Japan.

“He can play multiple outfield positions,” Bell added. “He’s just a good baseball player, so he’s going to get an opportunity to contribute a lot right from the beginning. For him to be able to experience a more normal season, a full season — maybe it’s not the worst thing in the world he played a short season last year. He got to experience it and now he’s ready to go for a full season.”

Akiyama was able to work out but not hit or practice fielding during his week back in Cincinnati.

He said it was too soon to tell if that would mean he needs to change his plans for preparing for the regular season, but he believes he will be ready for Opening Day against the Cardinals on April 1.

“The only thing I know for sure is David told me that I should be ready to play on Sunday and I was aware of his comments that I am ready to go,” Akiyama said. “I was preparing in Cincinnati as well as waiting for my (COVID-19) intake testing while I was here. I’m not sure if I will be able to produce results from the beginning but I just need to be prepared for Sunday for now.”

While waiting to insert Akiyama into his lineup, Bell had Nick Castellanos batting second in the lineup on Friday night.

He put the veteran outfielder in right field with Nick Senzel in center and Aristides Aquino in left for a game against the Diamondbacks.

Castellanos had been sidelined for three games by tendinitis in his right middle finger, but his return along with Jesse Winker coming back from a sore hip meant the crowded outfield rotation should be back to full strength with Akiyama joining the mix Sunday.

Winker went 0 for 2 with a walk in his spring debut Thursday night against the Royals.

He was happy to get to play in front of fans again after they were not allowed in the ballpark last season because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“When you go to a baseball game, there’s a certain buzz in the air, there’s a buzz to a baseball game,” Winker said. “There’s chatter, there’s noise, there’s a hot dog guy yelling out ‘hot dogs,’ there’s beer down the left-field line. That’s what baseball is. Hearing all that today was cool.

“I’m glad that everyone is allowed to come back and watch baseball games. If people are watching baseball games, that’s a step in the right direction.”

He’s already looking forward to greeting the Great American Ball Park crowd on Opening Day.

“I know how much Opening Day means to the people of Cincinnati.” Winker said. “I’m looking forward to seeing everybody.”