Lotte's new foreign player, Joey Lucay pitcher (33) = 198 cm, 103 km/h, left-handed pitcher and batter=, attended his joining press conference at ZOZO Marine on the 23rd.

After participating in pre-game practice for Rakuten Eagles game, working up a sweat with catch practice and other drills, he changed into his brand-new uniform with the number 48 and held a press conference. "I think my strength lies in making full use of my pitches and going after opposing hitter with powerful throws. I've been a player with a strong fighting spirit since I was a child. I want to show that side of myself," he said, looking ahead.

After arriving in Japan on a flight that landed at Narita Airport on the 22nd, he immediately visited ZOZO Marine Stadium to watch Rakuten Eagles game and witness their win. "The fans were passionate. I got the impression that they are a very good team. I'm really looking forward to pitching in the first team," he said, his heart filled with anticipation.

Manager Saburo, who was also present at the press conference, said he is considering using him as a starter, and added, "We've been hovering around a 50% winning percentage and have been stuck at a 3-game winning streak for a while now. I'm hoping he can break through that barrier all at once. I don't know the exact timing, but I want him to pitch in the first team as soon as possible. I'd like to let him pitch even if it's without any prior experience." He also hinted at the possibility of giving him his first-team debut without any prior experience in the second team.

Lucchese is from the United States and made his major league debut as a starter in 2018 with the Padres, winning 8 games that year and 10 in 2019. From 2024 onwards, he mainly played as a reliever. This season, he has appeared in 5 major league games with a record of 0 wins and 1 loss and ERA 13.50. In his major league career, he has played in 124 games (77 starts) with a record of 23 wins and 28 losses and ERA 4.15. His signature pitch is the "charb," a curveball with a change-up grip.