Yutaka Takagi critiques Chunichi Dragons relief pitching

Former professional baseball player Yutaka Takagi has provided an analysis of the Chunichi Dragons' pitching staff. During an appearance on ‘Professional Baseball News 2026’, Takagi praised the starting rotation, specifically highlighting the performances of Kanemaru, Hiroto Takahashi, and Yanagi.

However, Takagi expressed significant concern regarding the relief pitchers, noting that the team has suffered 37 comeback losses. He suggested that the bullpen is suffering from ‘work fatigue’ and criticized the team’s crisis management, stating that the situation has not improved since the previous administration.

The struggles of the pitching staff coincide with changes at the team’s home stadium, Vantelin Dome, where the addition of a ‘home run wing’ has made the field smaller, leading to an increase in home runs and contributing to the relief pitchers having the worst ERA in the league.