Rakuten infielder Daiki Irie expressed his enthusiasm for teaming up with pitcher Ito Itsuki of Waseda University, who was drafted second overall and was a year younger than him at Sendai Ikuei High School (Miyagi). They both played in regular season as juniors in high school. As pitcher and shortstop, Irie reflected, "We talked a lot and got along pretty well."
He revealed that he had received a direct call from Ito Tatsuki after the draft meeting, and enthusiastically stated, "I was drafted second, so I think they expect me to be an immediate asset. I want to work hard together to be a valuable asset to the first team." In his fifth season, he recorded his first professional RBI, but only played in four games for the first team, which was not a satisfactory performance. Although the professional and university stages are different, he firmly stated that he is not particularly conscious of it, saying, "I am who I am." With his dexterity, which allows him to play all positions in infield, he is sure to contribute to win many times next season.
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