◆ Pacific League League: Lotte vs. Nippon-Ham (16th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Nippon-Ham pitcher Tomoya Saito (31) has been promoted to the first team for the first time in about two months. In his place, Ruei-Yang Gu Lin who had ERA of 6.23 in five games, has been removed from the roster.

Saito said, "I'm 100% ready. I want to focus on what I need to do and contribute through my play." He added that manager Shinjo told him to "go out there with confidence," and Saito emphasized, "I want to be confident on mound."

On February 14 during Nago camp, he was diagnosed with a separated right soleus muscle and joined the 2nd Army. After rehabilitation, he pitched in four games in the farm, and in a game against the 2nd team Chunichi in Kamagaya on February 14, he marked his fastest speed of 155 km/h and showed his recovery closer to runs in one inning without hit 1 strike out.

His fastest pitch is 161 km/h. Last season, he was one of the key players in bullpen 's win formula, ERA 1.35 hold, 14 holds, and 3 saves in 47 games.