Nippon-Ham kicked off their first-team training camp in Nago, Okinawa on the 24th. Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (54) emphasized that the regular lineup is blank for the opening game against Softbank Hawks on March 27th (Mizuho PayPay), and warned that the survival battle will become even more intense.

After clapping hands, the manager showed his bright teeth and waved to the stands. "It's a battle to see who will become the regular. Only Gunji and Reyes have been decided," he said, indicating that he intends to encourage competition among the players other than Gunji, who has been confirmed as the cleanup hitter and third baseman, and Reyes, who won two titles last season. With Yuki Kiyomiya's opening day uncertain due to arthritis in his right elbow, the manager said, "We'll make a complete change" and is reconsidering the lineup.

On the day before the start of training camp, he said, "We're going to have one more serious competition," exploring new possibilities by having Nomura, who was last season's opening cleanup hitter, and even Yoshida, who is registered as catcher, try out playing second base. "To be honest, I think the players are thinking that it's okay to get injured in order to become regulars. I think they'll be even more tired in the exhibition games because they'll have to perform better." This is his fifth year in office. The final test to form the strongest team has begun. (Kawakami Haruki)