DeNA Katsuki Higashi became the opening pitcher for the first time in two years, achieved the most wins and highest winning percentage in the Central League last season. Last season, pitcher Higashi started 24 games and recorded a record of 16 wins, 3 losses, an ERA of 1.98, and a winning percentage of.842.
So far this season, he has started two games in a practice match and an exhibition game, pitching a total of five innings, and has been stable with no runs allowed.