SAPPORO — Whether he pitches or just walks onto the field, Yu Darvish still draws the biggest attention among the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters.
The 23-year-old Darvish had believed that it would be difficult to make an appearance in the 2009 Japan Series due to his left buttocks pain. But sports papers reported in their Saturday editions that the Fighters ace may make a shocking return to the mound by starting Game 2.
During practice before Saturday's series opener, Darvish didn't allow many of the reporters to take their eyes off him. He was going through a light workout, including playing some catch by throwing with his left hand, his non-throwing hand, in the outfield before the game.