A's Japanese three-way prospect Shotaro Morii finds his footing in the minor leagues

Shotaro Morii has just finished lifting weights before a game on an unseasonably warm May afternoon in the Bay Area when he and teammate Itsuki Takemoto burst into laughter, their cackling so loud it most certainly can be heard out on the field. Morii is gaining attention as a rising three-way prospect from Japan in the Athletics’ farm system — a hitter and pitcher who unlike Shohei Ohtani also plays the infield. Countryman and baseball roommate Takemoto enjoys teasing Morii at every chance.