Softbank Hawks 's third-year left-hander, Yugo Maeda, entered bullpen on the first day of the Miyazaki training camp, throwing around 30 pitches. During his voluntary training with Mets pitcher Senga, he particularly learned how to use his pivot foot. He is conscious of "pushing the ground and applying pressure" when pitching. "I can no longer throw the ball high. I feel like I'm hitting it well, so if I can just get my timing and balance right, I think I'll be able to throw better pitches," he said, expressing his satisfaction. Maeda joined the team as the first pick in the 2011 draft from Osaka Toin High School. He recorded his first professional win last season, and this season he is aiming to be included in the starting rotation from the start of the season.