Nippon-Ham pitcher Kota Tatsu (22) was named the opening day pitcher for the second half of the season on the 17th. Manager Shinjo stated, "Tatsu's time as reliever is over. We're thinking of him starting in the first game after the All-Star break," confirming that Tatsu will start against the Lotte Marines on the 31st (at Escon Stadium). Tatsu was removed from the active roster on the same day. After making some adjustment appearances in the minor leagues, he will be in top condition for his start on mound in two weeks.

He made the opening-day rotation this season but posted a 2-6 record with a 4.06 ERA ERA in nine starts. Unable to produce results, he was removed from the active roster on May 30.Nevertheless, when he was recalled on June 16 reliever, he displayed outstanding consistency over 10 games, posting a 5 hold, 2 saves, and a ERA 0.75 ERA.The manager said, “His arm action was completely different, wasn’t it? As I’ve always said, reliever his experience as a starter means he can’t go all out like reliever, but when it comes to pacing himself and shifting into high gear, I want him to reliever recall that mindset. I’m sure he can do it,” expressing his hope that the pitcher would draw on his reliever experience to make a comeback as a starter.

It had been decided from the beginning that he would end his role as reliever after the game against Softbank Hawks on the 16th and transition to starting pitching. The team is in third place, five games behind league leaders Softbank Hawks. Looking ahead to the six-game stretches in August and September, the manager entrusted pitcher with the opening start of the crucial second half of the season, saying, "I want him to win the first game. That will get the team going."

Tatsu himself has a strong desire to become a starting pitcher. He will use his experience as reliever to further improve his skills as a starter.