Rakuten Eagles Naoto Nishiguchi pitcher (29), who aims to switch to a starting lineup from this season, showed off his hot pitch of over 100 pitches on the 2nd, becoming the team's first player. The right-hander, who entered the bullpen for three consecutive days from independent practice on January 31st, threw 120 pitches and said, "I started last year (aiming to become a starter), but it ended up in the reliever middle of the open game. The number of pitches is my neck. I am conscious of the number of pitches from practice," he said, revealing that he is focusing on improving his shoulder stamina.

Last season, Nishiguchi made 52 appearances as a setup man, recording 3 wins and 1 loss, 31 hold, and ERA of 1.07, but he has requested to move up to the starting position in order to reach even greater heights. "I joined the team with the goal of winning double digit games as a starter. If I'm given the chance, I want to keep challenging myself," he said enthusiastically. After a productive training camp, he is putting his name forward as a contender for a spot in the opening rotation.