Softbank Hawks 's starting third baseman, Ryoya Kurihara, will be trying out for the first time in five years as catcher, and participated in a full program for the position, including special catcher, at the Miyazaki camp. Battery coach Toru Hosokawa praised him, saying, "He's good enough. His throwing was also incredibly good. I didn't think he could move that well. I was wondering if we needed to teach him properly, starting with how to sit down. He's fielder, so his footwork was good."

One of the team's weaknesses is the hitting ability of their starting catcher, Umino. If they can get Kurihara to catcher, it would be a miraculous solution.