Eisuke Tanaka, the first pro ballplayer from the elite academic world of Kyoto University is expected to make his top flight debut on April 29, a baseball source said Thursday.
Tanaka, the Chiba Lotte Marines' second pick in last autumn's amateur draft, allowed five runs over six innings in preseason exhibitions, but has yet to allow a run in the Eastern League this spring. The right-hander is 2-0 with nine strikeouts over 14 innings.
"It's a question of how well he can execute his pitches at the top," Marines manager Tsutomu Ito said.
Pitching coach Masahide Kobayashi said, "He has performed and earned his chance. I hope he makes the most of it."
The Marines are scheduled to host the Seibu Lions at QVC Marine Field on the day of Tanaka's promotion.