Matthew Boyd reflects on the profound impact of Japanese baseball on his life, particularly the influence of stars like Ichiro Suzuki and Kazuhiro Sasaki from the Seattle Mariners, who ignited his passion for the game. Boyd's relationship with Ichiro made his recent trip to Tokyo especially memorable, as he reminisced about learning from the legendary player. Boyd emphasized the cultural significance of baseball in Japan and expressed disbelief over any writers voting against Ichiro's Hall of Fame induction.

Meanwhile, Chicago Cubs' Julian Merryweather is poised for a comeback after enduring injury setbacks. His velocity has reportedly improved, with his fastball reaching a new peak in an exhibition game against the Hanshin Tigers. Merryweather's potential resurgence could transform the Cubs' bullpen dynamics, a crucial development as they prepare for their anticipated Tokyo Series.