◆ Takagi: "Pitchers are definitely pitcher during the summer." Sakaguchi: "They might become our saviors."

Softbank Hawks finished the first half of the season with a 24-game lead, securing first place at the halfway point. On the Fuji TV ONE program "Pro baseball News 2026" aired on the 29th, key players for the second half of the season were highlighted as they aim for their first three-peat since relocating to Fukuoka.

Tomotaka Sakaguchi said, "It's Tomohisa Ozeki. We've been struggling as starter without pitcher we initially counted on returning, so he could be our savior. If he can get back to his original form, he'll be ace-level, but I think he'll need some strength." He expressed his hopes for the comeback of Ozeki, who has struggled this season with a record of 3 wins and 4 losses and ERA of 5.34.

Yosuke Hiraishi said, "I'm going with Ryosuke Otsu," referring to the right-handed pitcher who has a good record of 9 wins and 2 losses so far, and pointed out the challenges, saying, "He's been a bit worn out lately. The schedule from here through August is extremely tough, and he's hardly ever pitched as a starter for a whole year, so the question is how he'll get through this."

Takagi Yutaka said, "Naoyuki Uwasawa. (He has a record of 5 wins and 4 losses this season) and hasn't been able to pick up as many wins as expected. I think Uwasawa will be pitching against ace-level pitchers from now on, so he really has to start winning." He offered words of encouragement to the veteran pitcher.

When everyone mentioned starter, Takagi said, "In the summer, it's all about pitcher, isn't it? Because the batting lineup will hit on its own," emphasizing the importance of pitcher.

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