◆ "catcher 's job requires a lot of nerve in a different way, so I want to let him concentrate on hitting."

On the 5th, Softbank Hawks 's Ryoya Kurihara played in an exhibition game against Yakult as catcher in the 5th inning, marking his first appearance in five years. With one out and a runner on first, he bad throw to second base, allowing the runner to advance to third base. Then, with two outs and a runner on third base, he dropped breaking ball, giving up one run.

Kurihara's catcher challenge remains a challenge, and Kenji Yuzhino, commentator for Fuji TV One's "Pro baseball News 2026" broadcast on March 9, said, "I wonder if they'll really let him do it. I personally disagree. fielder After all, catcher is a position that is prone to injury, and I want Kurihara to always play on the hitting side," he said bitterly. catcher is nerve-wracking in a different way, and I want him to concentrate on hitting," he opined.

Another commentator, Tomotaka Sakaguchi, also commented, "I want the hitters to make solid adjustments before the season opener, followed by the defense of infield and then the catcher. It's not an easy position, and I think it's at a level where I wasn't playing it anymore, so it's difficult," he analyzed, "First, I want him to concentrate on hitting and protecting infield the ball, and to avoid injuries.

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