◆ Despite a series of injuries, Mr. Hiraishi says, "We can adequately fill the gaps."

Having won their first ever interleague championship, Seibu Lions finished the first half of the season in second place. On the Fuji TV ONE program "Pro baseball News 2026" aired on the 29th, the key players for the second half of the season as they aim to reclaim the championship for the first time in seven years were highlighted.

Yosuke Hiraishi said, "Manaya Nishikawa. With Shinya Hasegawa and Masayuki Kuwahara injured, Nishikawa really struggled at the start of the season, but his batting has been improving recently. He worked hard last year, so I think he can definitely fill the gap if he performs to his potential," expressing his expectations for Nishikawa to support the team.

Tomotaka Sakaguchi mentioned Kuwahara's presence, saying, "It's Masayuki Kuwahara. He's injured right now, but his play and at-bats really energize the team and he's a leader. I think his presence is a big reason why the team has changed so much this year, so I hope he comes back soon and will be a source of encouragement during the tough summer months and when we're facing difficult challenges." Toyo Takagi then offered words of encouragement, saying, "Until Nevin came back, Kuwahara was the one leading the team. But as soon as he came back, he got injured. Please, I'm begging you, don't get injured. When he came back, his batting average had dropped from .300 to .236. Hang in there, Kuwahara."

Takagi added, "Shinya Hasegawa really showed his clutch hitting ability in the interleague games. He wasn't a regular at first, but he came in midway through the season and always got a hit. He got a chance, and he did well, hitting walk-off hits in two consecutive games. So I feel like Hasegawa holds one of the key points." As for his planned return in September, he speculated, "He might come back at the most crucial moment."

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