Rakuten Eagles 's second-round draft pick, pitcher Itsuki Ito (22) from Waseda University, entered bullpen on the 24th.

He participated in a joint rookie training session at the indoor training facility of Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi in Sendai City. With catcher seated, he threw 17 pitches, including breaking ball. "I think there were quite a few good balls considering the force," he reflected, and looked ahead to his future pitch, saying, "I hope I can gradually increase the force and maintain a balance while pitching."

bullpen catcher Ishimitsu, who received pitch from the second-round draft pick right-hander, nodded and said, "His control seems good, and at this stage I think he has the potential to make a game.It's a nice fastball, and the rotation is nice too."

From the 10th to the 22nd, he participated in a joint voluntary training session for new recruits overseas. "It was a time to really concentrate. It was a great time because I was able to practice in a different environment," he said, having spent the time to his heart's content.

The right-handed pitcher, who is expected to be an immediate asset, has been confirmed to start with the first team in spring training. "My goal was to be on the first team at the start of the season, so being able to spend training camp with the first team is the first step. I want to be careful not to get injured from here on out. It's a competitive game, so I won't be intimidated just because I'm a rookie, and I want to focus on my pitch and practice," he said, exuding enthusiasm.