Yosuke Hiraishi, who appeared on 'Professional baseball News 2026' broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 2nd, mentioned Rakuten Eagles' Wataru Karashima.

Mr. Hiraishi offered words of appreciation, saying, "We played together as teammates, and he won nine games when I was the manager. Karashima is a pitcher with a small build, but he has a lot of courage. He is comfortable throwing slow balls, and when he is at his best, he isn't afraid to throw inside. He was a unique pitcher, and I think he really worked hard."

Karashima joined the Rakuten Eagles as a 6th-round draft pick in 2008. After making his professional debut in his first year in 2009, he recorded 8 wins, including his first professional win, in his fourth year in 2012. Although he had 3 wins in 2013, the year the team achieved its first league title and Japan Series championship, he reached the regulation innings pitched for the first time the following year in 2014. Playing his entire 18-year career with the Rakuten Eagles, he appeared in a total of 210 games, recording 56 wins, 74 losses, and an ERA of 4.01.

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