◆ "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 attempt at catcher still leaves some issues to be resolved. On the 9th, Fuji TV ONE's "Professional baseball News 2026" commentator Kenji Koshino criticized the position, saying, "I wonder if they're really going to let him do it. Personally, I'm against it. catcher is a position that's prone to injuries, after all, and I'd like Kurihara to always be playing as a hitter." He added, "There may be all sorts of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies, but basically, I think it would be better for him to play as fielder. catcher requires a lot of nerve in different ways, and I want him to be able to concentrate on hitting."

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"