◆ Pacific League League: Rakuten Eagles (19th, ZOZO Marine Stadium)

Rakuten Eagles announced starting line-up for the game against Lotte on the 19th.

The team announced on the 17th that Masato Yoshii would be taking over as manager. This is an unusual move, as he will be taking on the role midway through the season.

This was manager Yoshii's first game as manager. The manager revealed, "I didn't have a chance to meet with the coaching staff to decide batting order today, so I just decided it myself (laughs). From now on, I think we'll decide it together after discussing it." The reason was that he wanted to tell the players the lineup the day before. "I wanted to tell the players yesterday. I just wanted to do it in advance. I don't think it's that different from before," he said.

The starting lineup, which has attracted much attention, starting line-up infielder at shortstop, batting eighth. The cleanup hitter spot has been given to outfielder McCusker. Murabayashi, who will start on the bench, participated in pre-game practice.

The starting mound for the highly anticipated opening game will pitcher Kosei Shoji. Expectations are high for the right-pitch, who served as the opening pitcher this season.

Below is Rakuten Eagles 's starting line-up.

[Rakuten Eagles]

Number 1, Third Baseman: Taira

Number 2, Center Fielder: Tatsumi

Number 3, Right Fielder: Sato

4th batter, DH McCusker

5th batter, second baseman: Kurokawa

Number 6, first baseman: Asamura

Number 7, left fielder Kei Watanabe

Number 8, Shortstop: Waters

Number 9, catcher Horiuchi

pitcher Shoji