Lotte infielder Neftalí Soto Soto (36) threw beans at the first-team camp in Miyakonojo, Miyazaki on the 3rd to celebrate Setsubun, and said with a smile, "It was good to do it again after such a long time."
Starting this season, he will be the team's first foreign captain in 28 years since Julio Franco in 1998. "If I practice hard and show a good attitude, I think the other players will notice. I believe that will lead to wins. I want to get in top condition as soon as possible," he said, showing his determination to lead the team.
![[Photo] The main character of a nationally popular manga also appeared at the opening ceremony!](https://hochi.news/assets/v2/img/hochi_news_sns.png)
![[Lotte] Misho Nishikawa and Ishigaki Katsumi join the Samurai support team. Nishikawa says, "This will be a truly valuable experience."](https://hochi.news/images/2026/02/03/20260203-OHT1I51281-L.jpg)
![[Lotte] First-round draft pick right-hander Genki Ishigaki said, "I'd give myself about 70 points. I'm glad I was able to finish pitching while having fun." He made bullpen debut with 15 pitches.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/02/03/20260203-OHT1I51119-L.jpg)
![[Lotte] First-round draft pick right-hander Genki Ishigaki makes bullpen debut at first-team camp, surpassing the "Monster of the Reiwa Era" with 15 pitches, showing glimpses of his great potential.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/02/03/20260203-OHT1I51040-L.jpg)
