Lotte manager Saburo announced on the 2nd that he will be switching pitcher coach Hiroyuki Kobayashi, who is currently in charge of bullpen, and pitcher coach Tomohiro Kuroki, who is in the dugout, starting with the game Seibu Lions Stadium).

Regarding the reason for the reassignment, manager Saburo explained, "We want to develop coaches at the same time as developing players. Coach Kobayashi has never been in the dugout, so we want him to experience how difficult it is. We will do this under the policy that I and the team have, which is to develop players and coaches."

Coach Kobayashi has a career record of 75 wins, 74 losses, and 29 saves with the Lotte Marines, Hanshin Tigers, and Seibu Lions. After retiring, he worked as a coach in independent leagues before joining the Lotte Marines as pitcher coach this season.