Seibu Lions Natsuki Takeuchi pitcher (24) will start the team's second game of the season against Lotte (ZOZO) on the 28th for the team's first white star of the season.

He joined Seibu Lions in 2023 as the first overall pick in the draft from Kokugakuin University. In his first year, he made 21 starts, achieving an impressive record of 10 wins and 6 losses with ERA of 2.17, and was awarded Rookie of the Year. However, he injured his left elbow during his off-season training. In his second year last season, he had a record of 4 wins and 5 losses ERA 5.26 in 12 games. Manager Nishiguchi also mentioned Takeuchi's name at the pre-season press conference on the 26th, saying, "He won Rookie of the Year, and last year was a disappointing season, so I'm looking forward to seeing how much he can bounce back this year," indicating high expectations for his comeback this season.

In his final appearance of the preseason games on the 20th against DeNA (at Belluna Dome), he pitched six innings, allowing only four hit strike out runs nine without giving up a run. Although he narrowly missed out on being the opening day pitcher, he showed his disappointment by saying, "Well... maybe someday," but added, "My intention to do my best wherever I'm given the opportunity remains unchanged. Since it's the opening series, I want to start strong and give it my all."