Lotte manager Saburo, who appeared on "Professional baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 26th, spoke about pitcher staff.

Lotte struggled last season with the league's worst team ERA of 3.60, and a turnaround in pitcher staff is needed. Manager Saburo expressed confidence, saying, "We have Coach Kuroki, Hiroyuki Kobayashi, and coordinator Tateyama, and I trust them. I think they'll manage to do something about it."

Hiroki Nomura, who appeared on the show, asked, "Do you have a say in that?" to which Manager Saburo replied firmly, "I don't know, so I won't say anything." Nomura continued, "Have you decided on the opening game?" to which Manager Saburo replied, "I would like to be allowed to decide on the opening game."

Nomura then pressed, "Has the opening pitcher been decided?" to which Manager Saburo predicted, "It's pretty much decided, I've told the pitcher coaches. Some people were like, 'Hmm,' but I told them I hope they'll decide. I haven't told the players themselves yet. I think I'll tell them at the last minute."

Until last season, Lotte had Kazuya Ojima as their opening pitcher for three consecutive years, but attention will be focused on which pitcher will take on the important role this season.

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"