[Lotte] Manager Saburo explains why left-handed pitcher Long was removed from the roster: "We'll move him to the starting rotation next time." He has a stable 1.42 ERA as a reliever. | Pacific League

[Lotte] Manager Saburo explains the reason for removing left-handed pitcher Long from the roster: "We'll move him to the starting rotation next time." Long has a stable ERA of 1.42 as a reliever.

Sports Hochi

May 3, 2026 18:35

In the second inning, with one out and a runner on first base, manager Saburo greets Kyota Fujiwara, who hit a two-run Home Run over the right field fence (Photo by Shohei Uemura).

◆ Pacific League 10-0 Seibu Lions (3rd, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Lotte manager Saburo (49) revealed after the game the reason for removing left-handed pitcher Sam Long (30), who is in his first year in Japan, from the roster.

"We'll move him to the starting rotation next. This is for preparation and adjustment. He'll pitch once in the minor leagues, and then we'll bring him back to the first team," he explained.

Long had appeared in 13 games this season, all as a reliever, with a record of 0 wins, 1 loss, 7 hold, and an ERA of 1.42. From now on, he will take to mound at ZOZO Marine Stadium as a starter.