Softbank Hawks On March 20, Tsuyoshi Wada, advisor to the general manager of the baseball team, inspected the farm facility in Chikugo, Fukuoka. He hoped that Nao Higashihama pitcher, who exercised his domestic FA rights and remained with the team, would be the savior of the starting lineup with Arihara out. He said, "He's a lot better than he was this time last year. I can use my lower body well and my body is not flowing. I'm glad he stayed with the team. I think when it's all said and done, I'll be glad they were there. A role model pitcher," he said, praising the 35-year-old bullpen pitch.

Wada, who returned from the US baseball league at age 35, recorded 15 wins and continued playing until he was 43. "This season will be a turning point for (Higashihama). Even though his physical strength has declined, if he learns how to use his body, his pitches will become faster. He's training well and hasn't had any injuries, so I think he'll be fine," he said, drawing on his own experience to give the right-hander, who has a total of 76 wins, his stamp of approval.

On this day, Higashihama practiced pitch about 40 balls, including curveballs, to a crouching catcher. "I have the form down, so I just need to maintain this form and increase my output during camp," he said with a bright expression.