Lotte's Shuta Takano will start in the game against the Seibu Lions at Zozo Marine Stadium on September 1st.

Takano commented through the team, "The relief pitchers have been playing in a series of games and I think they're tired, so I'll do my best as a starter to closer as many batters out as possible and hopefully help them out in the end. I'll pitch with all my might to stop the team's losing streak."

His scheduled start against Nippon-Ham on August 22nd (Zozo Marine Stadium) was canceled due to rain, and he pitched in relief against Softbank Hawks on August 25th, closer runs for three innings.