Softbank Hawks pitcher Haru Matsumoto threw about 100 pitches in bullpen on the first day of the Miyazaki training camp on the 1st. The left-hander, now in his fourth year, was pleased with his performance, saying, "Even though I haven't increased my output yet, the ball is coming pretty well, so it feels good. It's definitely better than last year." Last season, he pitched in 29 games as a starter and reliever, with a record of 6 wins and 6 losses and an ERA 2.76. This season, he is expected to fill the starting rotation with 180 inning left vacant by Arihara.

Manager Kokubo praised him highly, saying, "In his case, his real issue is stamina. The ball itself is of a different class. In that sense, he probably threw the most pitches today, but I could see that he is trying to face his own issues head on. Every single one of his balls was amazing." He was also positive about him being the "top candidate" to pitch in the practice games against Samurai Japan on February 22nd and 23rd (Sunmarine).