Nippon-Ham manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (54) observed the Red-White game in Kunigami, Okinawa on the 2nd, and expressed his expectations for catcher Kengo Yoshida (25), who started as the fourth batter and second baseman despite being registered catcher. Speaking to Yoshida, who had multiple hit, including doble to the right, he said, "Maki Kengo? Ah, it's Kengo Yoshida. I want you to be like Maki-kun. (At second defense) I just want him to catch the ball and get the out. He hit two like today. He especially knows how to hit to the right, or rather, how to drop the ball, and when count is good he can pull it, so he's a batter to look forward to. I told him, 'Just hit it. If you hit it, you'll be in the lineup.'" He compared Yoshida to DeNA's main batter Maki and praised his exceptional batting sense.

Yoshida said, "I think I'm the type of player who hits and is given a position, so I'd like to just keep hitting and aim for any opportunity to play in a game at various positions." This good hitter, who also tried his hand at left field last season, will continue to expand his possibilities under Manager Shinjo.