On the 20th, Tomotaka Sakaguchi and Takahiro Saeki, who appeared on "Pro baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE, commented on Seibu Lions 's Yuto Koga.

Koga, registered as catcher, played as the sixth batter and DH in the game against Orix Buffaloes that day, and hit a timely single in the fifth inning. Koga had a batting average of .228 last season and also in 2024, but this season he has made his presence felt with the bat, with a batting average of .336, 3 Home Run runs and 20 RBI so far.

Sakaguchi commented, "His batting is in good form, and although catcher position changes depending on pitcher, with Nevin out of the picture, he's putting up numbers that make him a good fit as a designated hitter, and that's why he's in this position. He's functioning well even without Nevin. I think he's the kind of player we'd be in trouble without in the lineup."

Saeki said, "He has a different kind of annoying quality than Nevin, and he connects with the batters behind him. That creates a good flow for his team and a bad flow for the opponent. His improved batting has broadened his options and the way he can play. He's a good batter."

☆ Cooperation: Fuji TV ONE "Professional baseball News 2026"