Yoshi Tsutsugo's 1st home run for Pirates receives warm welcome from teammates

Once he made contact, Yoshi Tsutsugo watched the ball and pointed his bat toward the home bullpen in right-center field at Busch Stadium as the ball sailed over the outstretched glove of Lars Nootbaar.

Tsutsugo’s first home run for the Pittsburgh Pirates was a pinch-hit solo shot that traveled 397 feet in the ninth inning of Friday night’s 4-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Yoshi Tsutsugo (1) pic.twitter.com/mse2BjmjTl

— Bucs HR Videos (@HrBucs) August 21, 2021

The 29-year-old Japanese slugger has three extra-base hits in his first nine at-bats since signing with the Pirates on Monday after requesting his release from the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he was playing for their Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City.

“He’s had good at-bats,” Pirates manager Derek Shelton said. “He had the two doubles in the L.A. series. His first one was a pinch-hit double. Good swings, but to come in in that spot right there and extend the lead, that’s important when you’re coming into a new club.”

The reaction of Pirates players said it all, as they stepped to the railing atop the visiting dugout to celebrate and congratulate Tsutsugo. It was his first home run of the season, one that saw him hit .155 (16 for 103) in 25 games with the Tampa Bay Rays and Dodgers.

“My teammates have given me a really warm reception and are very welcoming,” Tsutsugo said through a team translator, “which does make it easier for me, as well.”

The Pirates are intrigued by Tsutsugo’s power. He hit 205 home runs in 10 seasons in the Nippon Professional Baseball League, including 44 in 2016. He had eight homers and 24 RBIs with the Rays last year, which would have led the Pirates in RBIs and tied for second in homers.

Tsutsugo can play either corner infield or outfield position — and he has started games at first base and left field for the Pirates — but his biggest impact has come as a pinch hitter. He hit a pinch-hit double in the ninth inning of Monday’s 2-1 loss to the Dodgers, then homered in his most recent, against the Cardinals.

“I always try to look at where we’re at in the order when the pitcher’s coming up and stay ready,” Tsutsugo said. “I do feel really glad, being able to hit my first home run with my new team. It really makes me want to keep going, keep working for the rest of the season.”