Nippon-Ham infielder Naoki Arizono (22) joined the first-team camp in Nago on the 21st. He is a highly anticipated power hitter, but underwent right elbow cleaning surgery in October last year. His condition did not improve early in the camp, but he was promoted just before the exhibition games. With the words of interim coach Takeshi Yamazaki (57) in mind, he aims to make his first appearance on the first team at the start of the season.

This promising power hitter candidate joined the first team in the final stages of camp. During the batting strategy, the sign was for a grounder to shortstop to bring home the runner on third base, but Arizono hit a sharp return to center center fielder. Even after the retry, he hit another single to center field, and on his third attempt, he grounded out to the gap between third and shortstop, drawing applause from manager Shinjo, who was watching. Kiyomiya Yuki was sidelined with a right elbow injury. "Whether I'm at first baseman base or third base, I want to hit and win. I want to prove that," he said, burning with fighting spirit to secure the position.

The effects of the surgery are finally starting to wear off. He underwent right elbow cleaning surgery in October of last year, and said, "After the surgery, I wasn't feeling very well at first, but I think I'm gradually starting to feel about the same as last year." He has been patiently recovering and preparing the groundwork to be able to fight.

With the interim coach's golden words in mind, he has been practicing repeatedly. Interim coach Yamazaki, who has hit a total of 403 home runs, participated in the training camp from the 10th to the 12th. Arizono also participated in training with the first team and received instruction. Regarding what he has been working on during his time with the farm team, he explained, "Timing. When Yamazaki taught me, he said that if we are slow to get started, we will lose, so I have been conscious of that as well." He has been working on starting early so that he can take the time to assess the situation.

At the suggestion of manager Shinjo, he brought an outfield glove to the training camp. In Kunigami, he practiced defense outfield during batting practice, making sure to do the minimum necessary preparations. Last season, he hit 18 home runs, winning the Eastern League Home Run title. He also recorded his first professional hit in the first team. He is aiming for a breakthrough in his fifth year as a professional. "I was able to come up just as the open games were starting. I want to produce results." He hopes to win over the manager with his batting and secure a place in the starting lineup. (Yasushi Yamaguchi)