◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: DeNA Rakuten Eagles (June 2nd, Yokohama)

Rakuten Eagles 's second-round draft pick, pitcher Tatsuki Ito (22) from Waseda University, joined the first team for the first time on the 2nd.

Tatsuki Ito has appeared in eight games in the farm league, compiling a record of 3 wins and 1 loss with ERA of 3.86. Most recently, he started in a farm league game against DeNA on May 27th, giving up 3 hit 4 runs in 5 innings. "As pitcher, the important thing is closer the opponent scoreless for at least one inning and come back to the dugout. I've been starting a lot in the farm league, but I need to produce results, so whether I'm reliever or whatever role I play, I want to focus on closer the opponent scoreless for at least one inning and coming back to the dugout," he said enthusiastically.

He has mainly been adjusting as a starter in the farm system, but is expected to be used as a reliever in the first team. Manager Miki expressed his expectations, saying, "It's his first year, so of course results are important, but I want him to do his best with what he can do now. I'm looking forward to seeing him pitch on mound with youthful energy, and I have high hopes for him. He won't be a starter, but will be waiting in bullpen."