Softbank Hawks pitcher Carter Stewart took the mound in a live BP match on the 15th in Group B of the Miyazaki training camp. He was sidelined last year due to a left rectus abdominis injury during training camp. This was his first time pitching to hitter in 469 days, since Game 6 of the Japan Series (vs. DeNA, Yokohama) on November 3, 2024. He faced eight hitter, allowing two hit, two Walk, and two struck out, with a maximum speed of 152 km/h.

This season is the final year of his two-year contract for the eighth-year right-hander. He recorded nine wins in 2024, and management expects him to win 15 games this season as he fills in for Arihara. "At this stage, I'm very satisfied with the situation. I hope I can fill the hole (left by Arihara) properly," he said, looking ahead. Finally, in fluent Japanese, he vowed, "I'll do my best to win 15 games this season as well."

pitcher coach Kurano, who watched pitch, commented, "It's good that he hasn't lost much of his touch with hitter since the Japan Series two years ago."