Seibu Lions Lions manager Fumiya Nishiguchi announced on the 24th that he will entrust the starting pitcher role for the opening game against the Chiba Lotte Marines on the 27th (at ZOZO Marine Stadium) to eighth-year veteran right-hander Yutaro Watanabe.

On this day, after the victory prayer held at Sayama Fudo-san in Tokorozawa, Saitama, manager Nishiguchi, when interviewed, announced, "The opening pitcher will be Yutaro Watanabe. He was the only one of the 12 teams to announce the opening pitcher, and although Seibu Lions had not yet been announced, in early March, the manager told Watanabe, "I'll go with Yutaro for the opening. Sumida, who had also been mentioned as a candidate, was selected for the WBC. Manager Nishiguchi shared a behind-the-scenes story, "I was going to go with Sumida if he had not gone to the WBC, but once Sumida went, I decided to go with Yutaro. Watanabe, who had adjusted well with a 1-0 record and ERA 1.38 in three open games, was also entrusted with a major role for the first time. "When Sumyan (Sumida) was selected for the WBC, I thought my chances were high, so to some extent, it was as I expected.

The manager also announced that he would entrust Takeuchi with the starting role for the second game and Taira for the third game. Takeuchi said excitedly, "I'll do my best to follow in Yutaro's footsteps," while Taira jokingly expressed his aspirations, saying, "I made eye contact with Fudo Myoo today, so I think we can win." Manager Nishiguchi said, "Watching these three really gets me excited." Watanabe, who will be leading the charge, vowed strongly, "I want to pitch in a way that will give the whole team momentum."