[All-Star Game] Lotte's Rikuto Yokoyama, who leads the Pacific League in saves, is selected for the All-Star Game for the first time by the manager. When asked which hitter he would like to face, he said, "He hit a home run off me in high school..."

Sports Hochi

(Top row from left) The Giants' Inoue, Tanaka Ei, Urata, (Middle row from left) Hanshin Tigers 's Dolis, Hiroshima's Okamoto, Rakuten Eagles 's Fujihira, (Bottom row from left) Orix Buffaloes 's Mukunoki, Seibu Lions 's Iwaki, Lotte's Yokoyama

The managers' selected players for the "Mynavi All-Star Game 2026" (June 28th at Tokyo Dome, June 29th in Toyama) were announced on June 13th, and pitcher (24) from the Chiba Rikuto Yokoyama was selected for the first time.

Upon receiving the good news, he said with excitement, "It's a very attractive stage in professional baseball. It's a place I've always wanted to be a part of and experience. I'm happy to be able to participate. I hope I can just pitch as I always do."

When asked which player he would like to face, he named Yakult 's Nagaoka, a Yachiyo Shoin alumnus with whom he competed during his time at Senshu Matsudo High School in Chiba. "He hit me back in high school, so I'd like to face him again. This time I'll make sure to get him out," he said excitedly.

Yokoyama has appeared in 34 games this season as the team's closer, and has recorded an excellent record of 0 wins, 1 loss, and 24 saves, with ERA of 1.35, the most in the Pacific League.

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[All-Star Game] Lotte's Rikuto Yokoyama, who leads the Pacific League in saves, is selected for the All-Star Game for the first time by the manager. When asked which hitter he would like to face, he said, "He hit a home run off me in high school..."