While news of a somewhat questionable right elbow led to concern over the Los Angeles Dodgers signing Kenta Maeda, the Japanese native quickly erased those with a strong Spring Training.
Maeda rode that success into the regular season, throwing six shutout innings against the San Diego Padres, and hitting a solo home run in his Major League debut at Petco Park. A first month’s worth of starts were met by regression, though Maeda was improved over his previous two outings.
The last of which came against the New York Mets at Citi Field and included a brief scare. Michael Conforto hit a line drive in the first inning that struck Maeda on his throwing hand and dropped him to his knees in pain.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and a trainer checked on the right-hander, who remained in the game. Predictably, there was swelling in Maeda’s hand, and it led to his start getting pushed back one day.
Although Maeda didn’t face the Chicago Cubs in the four-game series finale at Wrigley Field, he indicated he could have pitched and isn’t limited by the issue, according to Brian Hedger of MLB.com:
“My hand feels good,” Maeda said through a team interpreter. “It’s a decision the coaches made in regards to pushing it back one more day. Nothing’s really limiting me. Nothing much. The coaches decided to do it, but I think that one day of rest will help me, and I hope that it leads to a better performance.”
Not only did Maeda remain in the game after being struck, but he pitched well. He didn’t allow another hit after Conforto’s infield single, and the Mets only managed two more baserunners via walk before Maeda exited after five innings.
On the season he’s 4-3 with a 3.00 ERA, 3.52 FIP and 1.05 WHIP over 10 starts. Friday will be the first time Maeda faces the Atlanta Braves.
