Akiyama excited to face Darvish in MLB

CINCINNATI -- Until this season, Reds outfielder Shogo Akiyama played exclusively in Japan, which means just about every MLB pitcher is one he is facing for the first time. That will change on Thursday against the Cubs.

Yu Darvish, also a veteran of Japanese baseball, is scheduled to be Chicago’s starting pitcher in the finale. Akiyama stepped into the box against him in 2011.

“I faced Darvish in my first year back in Japan. Back then, he beat me by a big margin. That’s all I remember,” Akiyama said Tuesday via translator Luke Shinoda. “What I’m excited about now is there is a chance I could face him. I’m excited, to say the least. But, right now, what I’m focused on is playing each game and to have the opportunity to start that game and face Darvish.”

Ahead of Monday’s Reds-Cubs series opener, Akiyama had a chance to meet and speak with Darvish.

“We talked about back in my rookie year. It was the first time I was in the starting lineup. He also remembered he hit me in [the] first at-bat. We joked about that a little bit,” Akiyama said. “It’s the first time I was able to talk to him in person. It was comforting to say hello before the game. As a fellow countryman, there is definitely more interest in me following his stats, especially with a person like Darvish. He has accolades here as well. It was good for me to be able to talk to him.”

Through the first four games of his rookie season, the left-handed hitting Akiyama -- who signed a three-year, $21 million contract to join the Reds -- has started only twice. Both times on the bench were when the opponents started lefty pitchers.

Akiyama drew a walk as a pinch-hitter during a rally against Craig Kimbrel during Monday’s 8-7 Reds loss. On Friday, he delivered a pinch-hit RBI single in the sixth inning vs. the Tigers in a 7-1 win.

“First of all, I’m not used to pinch-hitting as much as I have in these past few games. It’s a hard place,” Akiyama said. “I can’t stay in the back in the cages too long. I’m not sure about how much I should be using my time in the dugout or in the back when obviously it’s a time I might not be used. There’s only a few games, but I’m not too worried about how I have been preparing for it. I think I’m more worried that I get used to this, so I’m not used to starting games.”

Reds manager David Bell doesn’t believe Akiyama will be a platoon-type player. He’s made his lineup choices on a case-by-case basis while trying to ensure the best matchups.

“We know Shogo has had success against left-handers,” Bell said. “Everything he’s shown, all signs are pointing to his success translating here in this league. But it’s just kind of worked out to where we can ease him in, let him continue to get acclimated to the league. All of these pitchers he’s facing, he’s facing for the first time.

“The big part of our job is to put our players into the best positions to succeed. So far, so good. We do think we can add in challenges for Shogo and that he will be able to handle those -- left-handed pitching, starting against left-handed starters will be part of what we add.”

Barnhart back, R. Stephenson to IL
The Reds activated catcher Tucker Barnhart from the paternity list ahead of Tuesday’s game. Barnhart took the roster spot of reliever Robert Stephenson, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a mid-back strain.

Two days ago was the first I heard about it,” Bell said of Stephenson. “He had thrown and was a little sore. I don’t think it’s serious. It may be exactly the 10 days.”

Castillo has Gray as a fan
Opening Day pitcher Sonny Gray, who is scheduled to start Wednesday, enjoyed watching the performances of Luis Castillo on Saturday and Trevor Bauer on Sunday. Castillo struck out 11 batters over six innings vs. Detroit, while Bauer struck out 13 Tigers in 6 1/3 innings. Both pitchers received no-decisions, however.

“They're so fun to watch,” Gray said on Tuesday. “I told Luis that he's my favorite pitcher I've ever played with. Just watching him pitch is a true joy. I told Trevor also, 'Man that was -- you just put on an incredible display, that was an incredible show. That was a joy to watch.'”

Hey batter batter …
Without crowds at the ballpark, the Cubs have tried to create their own energy with loud chatter from their dugout. Players were cheering or jeering for each pitch early on. It irritated the Brewers on Saturday and nearly led to the benches clearing.

Bell didn’t mind the exuberance but didn’t expect his players to emulate the Cubs.

“One thing that’s important to us is being authentic to who we are as the Reds,” Bell said. “We’re always looking to improve and be the best we can. We don’t concern ourselves with how they’re doing it.”