He's going to Japan, was going to Melbourne, but instead ended up in hospital. It's been an eventful few days for Canberra Cavalry star pitcher Steve Kent.

Having earned himself a trip to join Japan team Yokohama DeNA Baystars' spring training, Kent was set to lead the Cavalry charge in their knockout wildcard game against the Melbourne Aces on Wednesday night.

The imminent arrival of his third child and a trip to Japan for spring training are on the cards for Cavalry pitcher Steve Kent. Credit:Jamila Toderas

But not long after receiving the Cavalry pitcher-of-the-season award at their MVP night on Monday, his wife Brittany started feeling contractions and he was still in hospital awaiting the birth of their third child when the team flew to Melbourne on Tuesday.

It's led to a quick change of plans, with Frank Gailey now to start against the Aces instead.