Home / Sports / Rockies' Sugano Embraces MLB Challenges and Denver Fun
Rockies' Sugano Embraces MLB Challenges and Denver Fun
25 Aug
Summary
- Sugano sought advice from fellow Japanese MLB players before joining.
- He found differences in schedules and organizational expectations.
- He enjoys Denver, even visiting Elitch Gardens theme park.
Veteran pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano, who joined the Colorado Rockies, has found Major League Baseball significantly different from his career in Japan.
Before his MLB debut, Sugano consulted with Japanese players Yu Darvish and Kenta Maeda to understand the league's challenges. He noted distinct differences in the schedule and organizational expectations for players.
Sugano's performance in 2025 with the Baltimore Orioles saw him go 10-10 with a 4.64 ERA, though he led the league in home runs allowed. In 2026, he has shown steady performance with a 12-7 record and a 4.96 ERA as of August 25th, 2026.
Adjusting to Denver's altitude has been a notable factor, yet Sugano maintains nearly even home and road statistics. He emphasizes studying opposing hitters as a key adjustment strategy.
Beyond the field, Sugano has embraced life in Denver, visiting Elitch Gardens. He particularly enjoyed a turkey leg at the park and experienced a free fall ride and a roller coaster.
As the 2026 season nears its end, Sugano aims to secure as many wins as possible, providing stability to the Rockies' pitching staff while contributing support both on and off the field.
