Softbank Hawks 's fourth-round draft pick, pitcher Masato Sagara from Gifu Kyōritsu University, moved into the "Wakataka Dormitory" in Chikugo City, Fukuoka Prefecture, on the 5th. He arrived in Fukuoka by Shinkansen and said he was "even more determined to do his best."

Having undergone Tommy John surgery (medial collateral ligament reconstruction surgery) on his right elbow in November, he will begin his rookie year with rehabilitation. He was wearing a support device on his right elbow and responded to an interview on this day, saying, "I have a lot of plans, but everything is going smoothly," indicating that there are no problems on the road to recovery. "I'm currently undergoing rehabilitation for my right arm, starting with my grip strength, but I can train my left arm and lower body properly," he said, also doing tube training, aiming to improve his power as much as possible.

"I think there are many athletes who have recovered after this surgery. I want to do my best so that I don't lose to them and can ultimately think that it was a good thing that I had this injury," said Sagara. With the thoughts of his family, who saw him off that morning, in his heart, he plans to make his rehabilitation period a fruitful one.