Tohoku Rakuten Eagles reach agreement on developmental contract with right-handed pitcher from Taiwan, formerly of the Red Sox organization

The Rakuten Eagles announced that they have reached an agreement on a developmental contract with pitcher Liu Chih-Jung. His uniform number has been set to "101".

Pitcher Liu appeared in a total of 72 games in the minor leagues over the four years from 2021 to 2024. He recorded a record of 18 wins, 21 losses, and an ERA of 5.25.

▼Liu Chih-Jung Pitcher Profile▼
■Position: Pitcher
■Date of Birth: April 7, 1999 (27 years old)
■Place of Birth: Taiwan
■Throw/Bat: Right/Switch
■Height / Weight: 181cm / 89kg
■Career: Boston Red Sox - Rakuten Eagles

▼Liu Chih-Jung Pitcher Comment▼
"I am very happy to be able to join the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. I am grateful to the club for giving me this opportunity. I will do my best from now on, grow further, and work hard to secure more wins together with the team."

The retirement ceremony for Rakuten Eagles' Wataru Karashima will be held on October 3rd.

After the game between Rakuten Eagles and Orix Buffaloes on Saturday, October 3, a retirement ceremony will be held for pitcher Wataru Karashima, who has announced his retirement at the end of this season. In addition, retirement commemorative goods for pitcher Karashima are scheduled to be sold starting from the same day. Details will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

Tohoku Rakuten Eagles: Call for design submissions for next season's 'myfavE DAY' jersey

Tohoku Rakuten Eagles is accepting design submissions for the "myfavE jersey 2027" until October 12 (Mon/Holiday) in preparation for the 2027 season's "myfavE DAY." The theme for the 2027 season's "myfavE DAY" is "Elegant." The jersey with the selected design will be given as a gift to visitors on "myfavE DAY."

Furthermore, a fan vote will be held to determine the main visual players for the now-customary "myfavE DAY." Please vote for the players you would like to see dressed up elegantly.

Saitama Seibu Lions' Shuta Tonosaki acquires international free agency rights

Saitama Seibu Lions player Shuta Tonosaki was granted an injury exception and acquired his international FA rights as of today, September 30th. He had previously exercised his domestic FA rights in the 2022 off-season and remained with the Saitama Seibu Lions.

▼Comment from Tonosaki▼
"I have acquired my international FA rights today. First, I want to focus on the games ahead of me and accumulate what I can do one by one so that I can contribute to the team's win. The cheers from all the fans are always a source of strength. Thank you very much. We will work together as a team and do our best to aim for being number one in Japan."

Saitama Seibu Lions: Reservations Now Open for Original Osechi

From Wednesday, September 30th to Friday, December 4th, reservations for the 2027 "Saitama Seibu Lions Original Osechi" will be accepted on the Saitama Seibu Lions official EC site "Lions Store Online."

The variety-rich three-tier Osechi box featuring Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine consists of 41 items in total, including the annually popular Japanese Black beef roast beef marinated in red wine, rolled omelets branded with the L mark, and a newly added rare cheesecake (topped with Iyo citrus peel) perfect for dessert. Furthermore, it comes with four limited edition benefits: an original "Oju" (tiered box) featuring the team mascot Leo, a "cooler bag," "Pochi-bukuro" (money envelopes), and "Chopstick sleeves (with chopsticks)."

The price is 33,000 yen (tax and shipping included), and reservations will close once the planned sales quantity is reached.

▼Comment from pitcher Ryosuke Moriwaki ▼
"Everything was delicious, with great attention paid to both taste and appearance. If you bring the bonus 'cooler bag' to the stadium next season, I'll know you're someone who bought the Osechi. I think it's convenient because you can carry drinks around the stadium in it. Please have a great New Year with The Lions' Osechi!"

▼Comment from pitcher Hibiki Shinohara ▼
"I think the menu is easy for both adults and children to eat! It's fun because it's packed with Seibu Lions elements like the Leo-mark daikon radish and rolled omelets. This year, the fact that the tiered box is in the Seibu Lions color, Legend Blue, is also a recommended point. Please welcome a happy New Year together with The Lions' Osechi."

Chiba Lotte Marines' Shogo Nakamura has left the team.

Chiba Lotte Marines announced that they have notified Shogo Nakamura that they will not be renewing his player contract for next season, and as a result of discussions, his departure has been decided. Nakamura wishes to continue his playing career.

Nakamura, who joined as the first-round draft pick in 2014, appeared in 111 games starting from his rookie year. He was selected for the Best Nine award in the second baseman category in 2021 and has been active as a regular for many years with three Golden Glove Awards, but in this 12th season, he had no first-team appearances for the first time since turning professional. He appeared in 73 games in the farm league, recording a batting average of .206.

▼Comment from Shogo Nakamura▼
"I would not be who I am today without the support of the fans who cheered for me through good times and bad for 12 years since joining the team, the team officials who have supported me this far, the staff, teammates, and everyone around me. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude. I am proud to have been able to play for The Marines. I will do my best so that I can show everyone my energetic play on the ground again. Thank you very much for these 12 years."

Chiba Lotte Marines 'TEAMMATES Project' Player HARUTO (Haruto Akagi) to focus on medical treatment

Chiba Lotte Marines announced that player HARUTO (Haruto Akagi), who joined the team through the "TEAMMATES Project" operated by the certified NPO Being ALIVE Japan, will suspend his future team activities for approximately six months to prioritize medical treatment and recovery from his current illness.

Player HARUTO received his uniform with number "100" this March and has been active as a member of The Marines. Based on the progress of his physical condition since then, and as a result of discussions with his primary physician and family, it was determined that he needs to focus on treatment and recuperation at this time. Therefore, his team activities, such as visiting the stadium and participating in related events, will be suspended for about six months. His return to activities is scheduled for around the spring of 2027, but the final decision will be made in consultation while monitoring the progress of HARUTO's recovery.

▼Comment from player HARUTO (Haruto Akagi)▼
"Right now, I will put curing my illness first and do my best to rest well and get healthy. Becoming a member of The Marines and spending time with the players and fans is a precious memory for me. I will work hard so that I can get healthy again, go to Zozo Marine Stadium, and see everyone. Please wait for me until then!"

▼Comment from Manager Saburo▼
"I want Haruto-kun to prioritize his physical condition for now and focus on his treatment and recuperation. Haruto-kun will always be a teammate of The Marines. As a team, we are all waiting for the day he can come to the stadium in good health again."

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