On the 5th, Seibu Lions Lions manager Fumiya Nishiguchi (53) stated that pitcher Mitsunari Takahashi (28), who had aimed to challenge the majors through posting but has now decided to stay with the team this season, is "of course" a leading candidate to be the opening pitcher.

On this day, the team slogan for this season was announced as "Breakthrough. Kosei has been on a losing streak for two years in a row, although he recovered from an 0-11 record in 24 years to an 8-9 record last season. The commander said, "There is nothing pitch wrong with that. If we can 'break through' there, hit and help Mitsunari to win more games, it will change my mind," he said, number hoping for support for the right hander who will succeed "13".

While taking Mitsunari's feelings into consideration, the team has a lot of confidence in him, saying, "It's reassuring for the team to have such a great asset back." Takahashi is expected to acquire overseas free agent rights this season, and there is a possibility that he will try to make it to the majors again this offseason. The performance of the right-handed pitcher, who is in his "last year in Japanese baseball," will likely be the key to a comeback from fifth place. (Oonaka Ayami)