Lotte announced on the 11th that Chief Batting and base running Coach Tsuyoshi Nishioka (42) will leave the team at the end of this season, his first year in the position. The coach requested to step down, and the team accepted after discussions.

The coach was not present on the ground at the home stadium, ZOZO, on the first day of autumn practice. Nishikawa, who won the Pacific League title for the most hits with 155 hits in this, his second season, expressed his gratitude, saying, 'He was someone I spent a lot of time with this past year. He helped me with many things, such as practice after games, so I am truly full of gratitude. He also supported me mentally when the title was on the line. I hope to continue growing day by day.' He then pledged to make even greater strides in his third year.