Seibu Lions third-year left-handed pitcher Natsuki Takeuchi (24) once again put his name forward to be the opening pitcher, saying on the 16th, "Of course I want to jump in."

The opening pitcher for this season is still undecided. Manager Nishiguchi has indicated his intention to entrust the role to an inexperienced player, saying, "The atmosphere is completely different when you pitch in the team's regular season." However, Sumida, who was considered the strongest candidate after winning 10 games last season (tied for the team lead), is in a difficult position now that he has been selected for the Samurai Japan national team. Taira, Watanabe, and Takeuchi are among the leading candidates.

On this day, he entered bullpen "with the intention of not using force," and felt a certain sense of accomplishment, saying, "I was able to throw some pretty strong balls low, so that was good." Last spring, he was undergoing rehabilitation after an injury to his left elbow during voluntary training, but this spring he started at the first-team camp in Nango, Miyazaki. "Just being able to throw makes a big difference," he said, and his preparations are progressing smoothly.

The left-handed pitcher, who had declared his intention to win the title when he opened his voluntary training to the public in Kurume, Fukuoka in January, said, "Of course I'm aiming for it." He added with enthusiasm, "I think everyone is aiming for it. Of course I want to take the plunge." Who will be the first to take mound in the game against Lotte on March 27th (ZOZO)?