Akio Saito: "The players have a strong sense of responsibility" - Is the new addition to the Lotte pitcher staff effective? | Pacific League

Saito Akio: "There's a real sense of urgency to do your best" - Could the new additions to Lotte's pitcher staff be effective?

Baseball King

March 9, 2026 10:00

Director Lotte Saburo (photographed by Yamashita Takuto)

Akio Saito, who appeared on "Professional baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE on the 2nd, commented on Lotte's starting pitchers.

Saito analyzed, "Jackson is in the lineup, and Ishigaki has joined. I think the other pitcher are feeling a tremendous sense of responsibility to perform well."

Lotte's starting pitchers are centered around Kazuya Ojima, who has reached the required innings pitched for five consecutive years, and Atsuki Taneichi, who was selected for Japan's WBC national team. Starting pitchers also include Jackson, who joined this season, young players Haruya Tanaka and Yuto Kimura, and veterans Yuji Nishino and Shuta Ishikawa.

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"