Everything is going smoothly without any injuries. My weight has also improved, and I feel like I am doing well.

Lotte's Koshiro Hiroike is spending a productive autumn camp in his hometown of Miyakonojo.

While pitching in the first team this season, Hiroike mentioned that "the accuracy of the forkball is definitely an issue." In the bullpen on the 12th, he focused on throwing the fork. He felt a sense of progress, stating, "Right now, regarding my pitching, I am specifically focusing on the two pitch types—the fastball and the fork—as well as my form. Today, the fork felt the best it has throughout this camp. I hope to fully absorb that feeling and make it my own."

Regarding the number of strike outs by pitch type this season, the fastball accounted for 27, followed by the fork with 17, the slider with 10, the shootball with 2, and the change-up with 1. One might imagine he wants to get more hitters struck out with his fork next season.

"As expected, next year I want to get strikeouts with a forkball that drops vertically. My coach also told me that a forkball is more effective for getting swings and misses, so I am working hard on that right now."

Along with improving the accuracy of his fork, he aims to establish his pitching form, stating, 'I am focusing most on the aspect of my form, so I want to firmly establish the form I'm working on and go from there with my fastball. Since the fastball is my most vital lifeline, I intend to keep aiming for better and better pitches, and during the off-season, I will work on being able to use the fork as my finishing pitch.'

I wonder if the form is changing the arm angle.

That's right. Since my release point was low, I'm making it higher. By doing that, I'm aiming to put an angle on my fork to get swings and misses.

This season, he secured a spot on the opening day roster and, after making two relief appearances, served as a starter for all 14 subsequent games. 'My top priority for next year is to make the opening day roster as a starter and pitch through the entire season without leaving the rotation.' To pitch in the first team throughout next season, he will focus on establishing his pitching form, improving the accuracy of his fork, and further refining the fastball he has been honing.

Interview and text by Yuta Iwashita