Lotte manager Saburo appeared on "Professional baseball News 2026," which aired on Fuji TV ONE on the 26th, and spoke about first-round draft pick Genki Ishigaki.

Nomura Hiroki, who also appeared on the show, said, "I'm looking forward to (Ishigaki Genki). I think he's a player with great potential, so I'd like to hear how Manager Saburo will develop and use him. That is, if nothing goes well from the start of the season, but if he uses him on the opening day first team, how will he be used on the opening day first team?" Manager Saburo replied firmly, "I don't know if he'll be on the opening day first team, but if he's in a condition to pitch, I'd like to have him pitch on the first team."

Nomura immediately responded, "Rather than gradually increasing his time in the minor leagues, use him in the major leagues," to which Manager Saburo explained his plans for using him, saying, "Of course, he'll start out as a relief pitcher, with one inning as reliever, and then another inning, allowing him to build up his physique. In the future, I'd like him to pitch as a starter."

When asked what kind of pitcher he would like Ishigaki Genki to become in the future, Manager Saburo emphatically replied, "I would like him to become pitcher who can compete on the world stage. I think that's my job."

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