Lotte pitcher Yuto Kimura attended the "20th Birthday Gathering" hosted by Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture on the 11th.

"Attending the 20th birthday gathering made me once again feel a sense of awareness and responsibility as a member of society.This year, my third year as a professional, will be a year of great growth, and I will do my best to contribute to the team!" he said, making this his vow as a 20-year-old.

He joined the team as the third pick in the 2011 draft from Kasumigaura and made his first professional debut last season, recording 3 wins, 2 losses, 1 ERA, 5 hold, and an ERA of 3.31, including his first professional win. This season, his third year under manager Saburo, is expected to show even more growth.