He participated in six exhibition games, joining midway through each. Although he went hitless in two at-bats, he stole five bases, including three in the recent game, without getting caught. On the defensive side, he made one error—a ball that seemed destined for right field deflected off his glove. It was a humbling reminder of how much he still needed to learn.
When the opening day first team was announced, his name wasn't on the list. The second basemen were Thomas Lowry and Iida, and the shortstops were Arai, Katsuyama, and Noda. These five would rotate between second and shortstop for now. Iida's versatility allowed him to play first and third base, while Katsuyama could also cover the outfield, making them valuable reserves. Veteran player Honda was supposed to join them, but an injury delayed his debut.
Among those drafted in the same year, pitcher Sugizawa, outfielder Takeshita, and Taniguchi made it to the opening day first team. Despite staying with the first team until the end of spring training, he started in the second team. It was frustrating, but it was also true that he was close to making it. A strong performance in the minor league could earn him a call-up to the majors.
In the opening game for the second team, Uchizawa started at second base and Adachi at shortstop. Uchizawa's capability was undeniable, having hit three home runs in eight spring training games. Although his defensive range wasn't wide, he was solid and fast, making it hard to secure a spot even in the minor leagues.
He replaced Uchizawa in the seventh inning of a game where the team was losing 10-2. With two outs in the eighth inning, he faced his turn at bat. He connected with a low outside pitch, sending it down the right field line for a double. His right-handed hitting was beginning to show promise.
After a runner reached base, Haratani, a third-year player yet to make the first team, hit his first home run of the season. Haratani needed to prove himself this season to avoid being cut.
In the next game, he started at second base, recording two hits in four at-bats and stealing one base. With three hits in five at-bats, his batting average was .600—a promising start.
The following day, Adachi started at second base, Uchizawa at shortstop, and he was on the bench. He substituted for Adachi in the seventh inning but didn't get a turn at bat.
The next day, Uchizawa played second base while he started at shortstop. Despite preferring second base, his high school experience made him competent at shortstop. He recorded one hit in three at-bats, bringing his season average to .500 with four hits in eight at-bats. He began to feel confident in his batting potential.
He, Uchizawa, and Adachi took turns starting at second and shortstop. Occasionally, Kinoshita, a rookie drafted fifth last fall, substituted. By the end of April, he had played in 15 games, recorded 14 hits in 42 at-bats for a .333 average, with 0 home runs, 6 RBIs, and 7 stolen bases.
Uchizawa batted .220 with 11 hits in 50 at-bats over 16 games, including 4 home runs, 8 RBIs, and 2 stolen bases. Adachi had 6 hits in 33 at-bats over 12 games for a .182 average, with 1 home run, 4 RBIs, and 0 stolen bases. Rookie Kinoshita went hitless in 7 at-bats over 6 games. Statistically, he had the advantage.
Rookie Kinoshita, similar in type with solid defense and speed, reminded him of his own rookie days. He was getting used to professional life.
Regardless of his performance in the minor league, a solid first-team combination meant no room for him. He constantly monitored the first team's results. By the end of April, regular second baseman Thomas Lawrie, batting .286 with two home runs, performed decently. Shortstop Arai, in his second year after college, maintained a .320 average with three home runs. With the regulars performing well, reserve players rarely got opportunities. Iida, Katsuyama, and Noda played mainly as defensive replacements or pinch runners.
His job was to perform in the minors and wait for a chance. That chance came sooner than expected. Regular second baseman Thomas Lawrie left the game with a strain.
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