Nippon-Ham infielder Hideki Yamagata has secured his first-ever spot on the opening day roster.

He participated in the full team practice at Escon, where only the opening day roster members remained. Regarding his first time on the opening day roster, he said, "I'm feeling nervous (laughs). I asked some of my seniors, and they told me, 'No matter how many years it's been, you'll still be nervous and restless before opening day,' but this is my first time. On the contrary, I'd like to show my freshness, like a first-timer."

At the fan festival last November, manager Shinjo publicly announced that he would put Moinelo in the "number 5 spot, short stop" position on opening day, but only if Moinelo was the starting pitcher. This promotion was based on his performance last season, where he hit two consecutive Home Run against Moinelo, but it has now been decided that Moinelo will not be playing in the opening game.

In the preseason games, he struggled at the bat, hit At Bat a batting average of .167, but he showcased excellent fielding throughout. His characteristic solid defense secured him a spot on the opening day roster.