Nippon-Ham announced on the 1st that they have reorganized their rotation, and pitcher Yamazaki (33) is expected to start in the game against Yakult on the 6th (at Jingu Stadium). This season, Yamazaki had a 5.68 ERA in 7 games as ERA reliever. Since being demoted on April 22nd, he has mainly pitched as a starter in 6 games for the minor league team, and his ERA has improved to 2.00.

He also challenged new records as a "two-way player." On June 7 last season against DeNA (Yokohama), he started as the sixth batter and pitcher and hit a two-run single to right in the 7th inning, tying Sugiuchi (Softbank Hawks) for the longest streak of five consecutive hit in Pacific League pitcher. From next season, the DH system will be adopted even in Central League, and during his voluntary training in January, he said, "This year is my last chance. If I achieve six consecutive years, I won't be surpassed," showing his enthusiasm to break the record.

On May 30, he participated in a game against the 2nd Army Orix Buffaloes (Sugimoto Shoji BS) as "No. 7 pitcher and DH. 2 At Bat He finished the game with no hits hit, but he was ready to bat. Shinjo praised the "two-sided" player's hitting ability, and he has shown his presence in both pitching and hitting.