Japan's WBC team Nippon-Ham 's Hiromi Ito pitcher (28) entered camp for the first time bullpen on April 2. Using WBC pitches, he threw 11 pitches with catcher standing and 23 pitches with catcher sitting. He said, "It wasn't bad. I think I was able to throw with a good balance. I was just trying to check the slope and make sure I wasn't going too far into it. He checked change-up, cutter, splitter, two seam fastball, and a curveball, including a straight ball.

With the WBC in March approaching, he said, "I'd like to be a starter if possible," and will continue to prepare while considering playing both as a starter and reliever.