◆Exhibition game: DeNA 5-0 Softbank Hawks (March 15, Yokohama)

Softbank Hawks 's Stewart started the game and closer the opposing team to four hit and no runs over six innings. "I didn't walk any Walk, and I was able to get ahead in strike with every pitch. This gives me a lot of confidence," he said proudly. Last year, he injured his left abdominal muscle during spring training in February and was unable to pitch. If the eighth-year right-hander, who recorded nine wins in 2024, makes a comeback, he will be able to fill the void left by Arihara, who has moved to Nippon-Ham.

In the game Orix Buffaloes on the 8th, closer runs for five innings, allowing only two hit no walk no walks, extending his streak of 11 consecutive scoreless inning no walk runs. In 2024, he issued 51 Walk in 120 inning, showing he was the type of pitcher closer despite issuing Walk. Manager Kokubo smiled and said, "In his case, Walk are expected, but he hasn't been doing them lately. I think the biggest improvement is that, in addition to the strength of his pitches, he's also able to throw strike with breaking ball."