On the 26th, Motonobu Tanishige, Akihiko Oya, and Takahiro Saeki appeared on "Pro baseball News 2026" broadcast on Fuji TV ONE and commented on the relief pitching staff of Seibu Lions, who are currently leading the league.

Taniguchi commented, "Iwaki has been removed from the roster. Wingenter has come in to replace him, and Kaihino will pitch behind him. Left-handed Sato is a little worn out, but Shinohara, Kuroda, and the right-handed reliever are good. In terms of winning games, I think they'll be fine."

Oya said, "Above all, I think Iwaki is able to be here because he has worked so hard. I didn't really think that he would be promoted to closer and perform this well, but he has worked really hard, and he is starting to get tired, so I think he will need some rest, but with Kaihino pitching in his place and Wingenter coming back, I think it is a time when we have to try to get by, but even so, there is a mood that if we all work hard together we can do it." He praised the efforts of Hakua Iwaki, who has recorded 18 saves as closer since the start of the season, even though he is currently not on the active roster.

Saeki praised Shinohara Hibiki, a second-year high school graduate who has appeared in 25 games so far, boasting an ERA of 1.11 and 19 hold. He said, "It's Shinohara. He's pitching in this position at such a young age, and he's putting up these results. The heavy burden on him will be distributed when pitcher returns. There are also many promising Hibiki Shinohara in the bullpen."

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