It's a fresh start that feels like it suits me. pitcher Hayato (31), an unconventional left-handed Hayato Yuge throws with a unique trajectory from a position close to the sideline, was released by Rakuten Eagles, where he played for seven years, and will become an amateur scout from next year. "I wanted to play for 10 years, so I'm not satisfied, but I think I've done my best," he said, looking back on his playing career, and pondering the job of a scout. "Players with star potential are automatically put on the list of candidates, but there are also many players like me who just came up from the dead. I think it's my role to properly evaluate such players," he said, putting his own experience to good use.

About six months before he was drafted, Yuge said he couldn't even make the bench in regular season. However, everything changed when he pitched in an exhibition game against an opponent with a promising pro player. "I probably pitched the best I've ever pitched in my life, and a scout contacted me. Having had that experience, I believe you shouldn't miss even a fleeting opportunity." From now on, he will be tasked with identifying the flashes of brilliance in the rough and sending several key players to Rakuten Eagles to repay the favor.

◆Yuge Hayato (Yuge Hayato) Born April 6, 1994, Tochigi Prefecture, 31 years old. He went from Sano Nihon University to Nihon University and then to Subaru, before joining the team as the 4th pick in the 2018 draft. In his first year as a pro, he recorded his first professional win and shutout game against Nippon-Ham on July 30, 2019. He has not pitched in the first team this season. He has pitched in 82 NPB games, with 9 wins and 7 losses and ERA 4.94. He is 193 cm tall and weighs 105 kg. He throws and bats left-handed.