On the 4th, Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo (54) announced his intention to use infielder Itua Ikhine (21) mainly in outfield. "There is almost no possibility of using him at shortstop or third base. It's not just my opinion, I've spoken with the front office and we've decided to use him as a pinch runner and outfield, making use of his defense," he said.

Ihine, who joined the pros in 2022 as the first overall pick in the draft from Homare (Aichi), made his professional debut as a pinch runner in a game Rakuten Eagles on May 30th last year. In the minor leagues last season, he recorded a batting average of .259 and 30 stolen base. According to the manager, he is confident in his speed, as evidenced by his frustration at losing to Shuto in a 30-meter dash during this camp. "He's been practicing hitting low line drive rather than fly balls, and I think he's gained some successful experience," the manager said, giving him his seal of approval.

Ihine, who trains every day from early in the morning, says, "Anywhere I can play in a match. That has never wavered." In his crucial fourth year as a professional, he is abandoning his commitment and looking for a new job. (Moriguchi Noboru)

◆ Itua Ikhine Born September 2, 2004 in Nagoya. 21 years old. Both parents are from Nigeria. At Hagiyama Junior High School, he played for Higashiyama Club, a softball team, and was runner-up in the national tournament in the spring and summer of his second year. At Homare (Aichi), he was eliminated in the third round of the Aichi tournament in the summer of his third year, and never made it to Koshien. Although he only played in one game for the first team, in 2013 he had a batting average of .259 with five Home Run, 44 RBI, and 30 stolen base in the second team. He was also awarded the "Monthly MVP" in July. He is 184 cm tall and weighs 83 kg. He throws right and bats left. His estimated annual salary this season is 8.5 million yen.