Shoma Fujihira, the only pitcher from Rakuten Eagles to participate in the WBC, rejoined the team on the 20th.

Seibu Lions gave up playing due to a breakdown ・Fujihira, who was additionally called up to Samurai Japan just before the training camp in February, appeared in two games in the tournament with a reliever. In the quarterfinals against Venezuela, he showed his presence by firmly closer one hitter, including finishing off No. 4 E. Suarez with a catcher.

Reflecting on the tournament, the 27-year-old said, "It was a disappointing result, but it was a good experience. I want to give back to the team," showing a sense of fulfillment. "I realized that my fastball power is still not enough. Major League pitcher are 5 or 6 kilometers faster than me," he said, acknowledging the gap with the world's best, and then vowed to grow further, saying, "I want to work hard so that I can be selected for the national team again next time."

Despite still suffering from jet lag, he said that there wasn't a significant difference in feel during practice with the NPB ball for the first time in a while, suggesting he has no concerns about his adjustments. With just one week left until the season opener, manager Hajime Miki plans to use him as a relief pitcher in the game against The Giants on the 21st (at Tokyo Dome), and said that "after that, we'll see how he does and have him make adjustments accordingly."