On February 24, 2025, the Chunichi Dragons secured their first victory of the spring training season, defeating the Hiroshima Carp 6-3 at Kitanihon Stadium. The game marked a notable opportunity for manager Kazuki Matsui to experiment with player positioning, particularly the trial of new foreign player Bossler.
Matsui expressed optimism about Bossler's potential as a utility player, stating, "I expect him to perform not just at first base but also at third base and possibly the outfield as well. My intention is to develop him as a versatile option for our lineup." This reflects the team's strategy to find adaptable talent who can rotate through different positions, which became relevant after the young star Takumi Ishikawa reported discomfort with his lower body on February 23, prompting his rest for the game.
The Dragons had been experiencing difficulties prior to this win, facing consecutive losses and struggling with errors. Matsui noted the importance of this victory, albeit cautioning, "While we won today, it’s just spring training, and such performances would not stand during the regular season." He praised the effort of his players but acknowledged much work remains to be done as they prepare for the challenges of the summer season.
Starting pitcher Shohei Oono contributed to the team’s early advantage, throwing two innings and allowing two runs, one of which was driven home by Carp outfielder Monteiro. Despite the rocky start, Matsui emphasized the need for Oono to channel his experience and demonstrate greater precision on the mound.
Though the pitching mix was shaky, Chunichi's bats came alive at the right moments. The highlight of the offensive showcase was Yamabuki's solo home run on the fifth inning, sending the ball rattling off the right field pole, after receiving advice from hitting coach Matsunaka. The coach urged the young hitter to be more resolute at the plate, reflecting the team's efforts to improve their offensive strategies.
Bossler’s debut at third base was remarkable. Matsui indicated plans for the player to continue showcasing his adaptability throughout camp, aiming to find the best fit for him within the team structure. The manager stated, "We need to keepBossler fresh and manageable throughout the season, and testing him out at different positions now will help us understand where he fits best. His serious demeanor is reassuring; we’ll navigate his integration with caution."
There was light-hearted commentary among the team too, especially concerning Ishikawa, who appeared to express minor discomfort before the game. Matsui shared, “Ishikawa joked with us, saying he felt fine and simply was pleading for some rest.” Such humor reflects the supportive atmosphere as the Dragons gear up for their regular season pursuits.
The result of this match emphasizes Matsui's exploratory approach as he deliberates on roster decisions. With numerous options available, including potential positions for Bossler, the management is determined to finalize the lineup well before the official opener, ensuring they can hit the ground running.
Heading back to the drawing board, Matsui expressed confidence, stating, “These evaluations during spring training are integral for letting us prepare deeply for the months to come. Our versatility might just edge us over tougher competition.”
Fans eagerly await how the rest of spring training will influence the 2025 season, particularly interested to see if margins can be shaved and if Bossler can secure his place alongside established stars.