Coordinating the "secret weapon" to Miami, the Japanese Samurai team may activate the reserve pitcher list.

After securing three consecutive victories in the preliminary rounds, the Japanese team has advanced to the knockout stage. Japanese media reports indicate that the national team is discreetly recruiting a player known as the "secret weapon," Tatsuya Imai, a pitcher playing in the U.S., who is part of the "Designated Pitcher Pool" (DPP).

Tatsuya Imai joined the Houston Astros via the posting system during the offseason. In his first year with the team, he decided to participate in the full spring training and did not return to Japan for the Tokyo preliminary rounds of the Classic. Nevertheless, the national team initially placed him on the "reserve pitcher registration list."

According to tournament regulations, the national team can add up to six extra pitchers to the "reserve pitcher registration list" beyond the 30-player roster and make substitutions between different rounds. Up to four changes can be made after the first round, and up to two more after the quarterfinals. This system plays a crucial role in managing pitcher workload and making strategic adjustments.

As reported by Tokyo Sports, the Japanese team has not strategically utilized this system in the past. Now advancing to the knockout stage, they will face stronger opponents. It is reported that the national team has approached Imai himself and the Astros organization to inquire about the possibility of his call-up and related scheduling arrangements.

The Japanese team will head to Miami as the group leader and will face the second-place team from Group D in the quarterfinals.