Rakuten Eagles 's second-round draft pick, pitcher Itsuki Ito (22) of Waseda University, entered bullpen on the first day of spring training on the 1st and threw 40 pitches.

In addition to a fastball with a top speed of 143 km/h, he showed off seven different pitches, including a shoot, cutter, vertical slider, and splitter. "I pitched while checking how narrow strike zone was," he said, confirming the difference between amateur umpire and amateur umpires. bullpen catcher Ishimitsu, who received the ball, praised him, saying, "He said that pitch style is to bring the ball from the outside corner into strike zone (and rely on control). He has a variety of breaking ball, so he's very skillful."

The right-handed pitcher, who is ready to contribute immediately, vowed to grow in the tropical country, saying, "My fastball has always been a problem. I want to continue to pursue quality and speed."