On the 19th, Softbank Hawks held a practice session at Mizuho PayPay Dome, outfielder Kensuke Kondo and pitcher Yuki Matsumoto, who participated in the WBC as members of Samurai Japan, joined the team.

Matsumoto Yu, making his international debut, pitched in the 8th inning of the first-round game against South Korea on the 7th (Tokyo Dome). Although he gave up one run, he finished his inning with two strike out and contributed to win. "My body was able to move without any problems. I still wake up early in the morning and get sleepy during the day, but I'm not experiencing any major health problems," he said, as he adjusts his training in preparation for the opening game against Nippon-Ham on the 27th (Mizuho PayPay Dome).

Reflecting on the WBC, he said, "I felt the difference between myself and the world's top pitcher, particularly in terms of average power and, for pitcher, average fastball speed." He added, "In Japan, we're expected to have control of low pitches and outside pitches, but over there, it's about the precision of high fastballs and the use of inside pitches. I felt that the direction they're looking for is different." He also made some new discoveries regarding countermeasures against powerful lineups that include Major League players.

Last season, the right-hander appeared in 51 games, recording 44 hold and ERA of 1.07. He also won the Best reliever Award. "You don't know how difficult (adjusting) will be until you try it. I want to do what I can and be ready for opening day," he said, reflecting on his successes and challenges, and aiming to dominate again this season.