Rakuten 's first draft pick, Soyama, is now a guaranteed member of the first team for the opening game. He was not in the starting lineup for the final Chunichi game against starting line-up, but he has been with the first team for all exhibition games since the February training camp. "I think the best thing about him is that he was able to play without any injuries or physical concerns," he said. Manager Miki stated, "I feel he still has room to grow. If he keeps going like this, he'll be able to start the season (in the first team)." He has set a goal of being in the opening starting line-up since his press conference when he joined the team in December last year, and now he is within reach.
On this day, he played shortstop in the seventh defense, but did not get a turn at bat, finishing with a batting average of .231. He had 56 at bats, the most on the team, and gained valuable experience through actual games. "There were many things I couldn't feel unless I played in a game." The golden rookie wearing number 1 uniform will turn all of his satisfaction and regrets into strength as he takes his first real step as a professional in the opening game Orix on the 28th (Kyocera Dome). (Ariyoshi Hiroki)
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