Seibu Lions Yutaro Watanabe pitcher (25) participated in starter practice on the 23rd at his home base Belluna Dome and played catch ball, etc.

The opening game on the 27th is against Lotte (at ZOZO Marine Stadium), but Seibu Lions is the only team among the 12 to not yet announce its opening day pitcher. Watanabe, a right-hander in his eighth year with the team, has been adjusting well, going 1-0 with ERA of 1.38 in three exhibition games, and is the strongest candidate. When manager Nishiguchi informed him of his pitching date, he said he took it calmly, saying, "I thought it would be around this time, so it was somewhat as expected. That's how I felt."

Looking back on the spring training camp and open games, "I think I showed my maximum bullpen but I was able to pitch with a good feeling," he expressed confidence, "I think I was able to do what I needed to do. The opening pitcher of the season Seibu Lions in which he will throw against Lotte's second draft pick, left-hander Mouri (Meiji University), will be announced on the 24th.