Rakuten Eagles Eagles manager Masato Yoshii summarized the first half of the season by the 28th and spoke about his aspirations for the second half. The first half of the season ended on the 26th. The team is currently in last place with a deficit of 18 games, but since Yoshii took over as manager, the team has improved its record to 13 wins and 14 losses, changing the tide. The manager reflected, "Everyone is doing well," and expressed his determination, saying, "I want to do everything I can to move up the ranks and develop young players." He also mentioned rookie Fujiwara, the in-form hitter YG Yasuda, and pitcher Sakui and Nishiguchi, who are aiming to make a comeback from injury.

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Manager Yoshii spoke with a warm gaze. Draft pick number one Fujiwara was removed from the active roster on the 21st. He had been adjusting as starter at the start of the season, and since June he has been gaining experience as reliever. So far he has appeared in 12 games with a record of 0 wins and 2 losses and ERA 5.40. Manager Yoshii praised the rookie, who has high potential, including throwing fastballs in the mid-150 km/h range, saying, "He really has something good," but also pointed out his weaknesses, saying, "His technique to consistently throw his own pitches in the first team is not yet stable."

Starter or reliever? While those around him are tempted to jump ahead and discuss his suitability for each role, he outlines the order of his development. "We haven't decided yet whether he'll be a starter or reliever, or rather, I thought there were other things he needed to do first, so I sent him to the minor leagues. He has a lot of talent, but he hasn't been able to consistently show it on mound, so that's where we need to start. First, he needs to become a pitcher can throw a solid inning, and then we'll decide whether to have him start or relieve, taking his preferences into consideration." Before solidifying his role, his priority is to get him to throw his pitches with high consistency.

The manager is also keeping track of the condition of the relievers who are aiming to make a comeback from injuries. Sakui, who returned after surgery on his right elbow, has appeared in 24 games in the minor leagues, with a record of 1 win and 0 losses and ERA of 0.77. He is steadily improving. The manager said, "I think Sakui is gradually getting better. I'm thinking of bringing him to the first team when the time is right, but for now, he will probably continue to pitch in the minor leagues."

Nishiguchi, who returned in late June after recovering from poor physical condition, has a record of 1 win and 2 losses with ERA 4.50 in 10 appearances in minor league games. "Nishiguchi is still at a plateau, or rather, he hasn't reached the level of his best performance so far," he analyzed, adding with confidence, "We're keeping an eye on both of them (Sakui and Nishiguchi), so they'll be fine."

Among fielder, YG Yasuda has made his presence felt in recent games. His strong hitting has led to an increase in his starting appearances as a designated hitter, but there are also high expectations for him as catcher. "I want him to do well as catcher as well. If he can hit like that as catcher, it will definitely be a plus for the team. With the possibility of a foreign player taking the DH spot, I want him to be able to catcher properly as well." He expressed his hope for Yasuda's growth as a powerful-hitting catcher.

The team is in last place with a deficit of 18 losses at the end of the first half of the season. However, since Manager Yoshii took over, they have shown signs of improvement with a record of 13 wins and 14 losses. They are aiming to climb the ranks by adding depth to their roster.