Nippon-Ham infielder Kotaro Kiyomiya (26) expressed his eagerness to make the opening day roster on the 13th. He had been sidelined since February 19th at the end of spring training due to right elbow arthritis, but returned to action on the 11th in a spring training league game against Oisix (Kamagaya). In the same game on the 12th, he played as the "number 2 hitter and DH" and hit a single to center field. "I could see really well. I finally feel like the season has started." On this day, which was a second-team practice day in Kamagaya, he is steadily progressing, taking free batting practice and fielding drills at first and third base.

Manager Shinjo plans to have Kiyomiya adjust cautiously in the minor leagues, saying he will "watch him slowly over 7 or 8 games," but Kiyomiya Yuki said, "I think the boss is watching me so that I'll be ready whenever I'm called up. I'll just do what I can. (To be on the opening day roster) Of course," setting his sights on the opening game against Softbank Hawks on the 27th (Mizuho PayPay Dome). He is scheduled to have at least three at-bats in the Eastern League game against Lotte on the 14th (Lotte Urawa), so the reliable team captain will be heading into the opening day in top condition.