Seibu Lions pitcher Mitsunari Takahashi (29) served as a batting practice pitcher for the first time this year at the Nango Camp on the 11th. He threw 41 pitches, including four types of breaking ball, to Murata and Nakazo, striking out five of them, showing off his excellent pitch.

"I think it went well. Today I was conscious of throwing strike, so I was able to throw quite a few strike, which was good. I'm taking it slowly and leisurely."

During the offseason, he used the posting system to aim for a long-held desire to transfer to the majors, but gave up due to disagreements on terms. If all goes well, he will acquire the right to become an overseas free agent within this season. First of all, he is determined to fulfill the duties entrusted to him and contribute to the team's win.

"Of course I want to have a good season, but the team's championship and becoming number one in Japan are getting further away. To that end, I want to pitch well. I have to play a central role. I want to be prepared to pitch well." He is steadily sharpening his fangs as the season approaches. (Kato Hiroshi)