For the first time since he completed his signing with the SoftBank Hawks, Carter Stewart threw from a bullpen mound. And though every Japanese media report called it a bullpen session, the catcher was not behind the plate at regulation distance, so it was more like catch from the bullpen mound.

Stewart said he threw at about 65 to 70 percent of full strength, trying out all his pitches at the Hawks’ minor league facility in Chikugo, Fukuoka Prefecture.

From what Stewart said, the mound there sounds like the prototypical Japanese type with a softer landing area and a gentler slope than in the States. Despite that, he said he liked it that way, showing that perhaps he has been receiving lessons in how not to say anything meaningful to reporters.

He is slated for another throwing session this weekend, and said he is eager to pitch to actual hitters, although he added that it would only happen after discussion the matter thoroughly with coaches.