On the 3rd, Lotte manager Saburo (49) praised first-round draft pick pitcher Genki Ishigaki (18) of Kendai Takasaki, who entered bullpen for the first time and threw 15 pitches at the first-team camp in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki.

The manager, who checked on the pitch from behind bullpen catcher was standing, could not hide his surprise as he mentioned former Lotte player and "Reiwa era monster" Dodgers pitcher Roki Sasaki, saying, "In one word, he was a monster. (Gen Ishigaki) said he was pitching at about 70% capacity, but the fact that he was pitching while standing made me think that it was something a little different. I think he's on Roki's level. That's what I got at first glance. I think his pitches are amazing. Of course they're fast, but they're also strong."

There is no data on pitch speed, and pitcher Gen Ishigaki modestly said, "I think it's probably around 145 km/h." After hearing Manager Saburo's words, he renewed his resolve, saying, "I'm happy, but I think (Sasaki) is still a long way away, so I want to work hard to surpass him."