Seibu Lions 's Yutaro Watanabe is scheduled to start in the exhibition game against Nippon-Ham on the 4th.

Watanabe Isamu commented through the team, "It's been a while since I last started in a real game, so I'd like to try to remember every single feeling I have as a starter, including the start and the set-up of the game. Last time I pitched in the rain, so this time I want to make sure I'm in good condition and see how fast and how good my balls are in the current conditions."

Last season, Watanabe pitched 134 innings in 23 games, with a record of 7 wins and 9 losses and ERA of 2.69. He is expected to play an active role as part of the starting rotation this season.