Every team faces some type of adversity, be it large or small, over the course of the season.
That time comes earlier for some than others, and right now, the Tokyo Yakult Swallows are almost in the throes of tough times. While it's still too early to panic, there is cause for concern.
Injuries and pitching woes, those two things not being mutually exclusive, are threatening to undermine the Birds' season before it really gets going, and unless manager Junji Ogawa finds a way to lift the malaise, fans might be in store for another long year at Jingu Stadium.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.