# Hiroshima Carp players selected for international play

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hiroshima-toyo-carp-players-selected-for-international-play
> Updated: 2026-10-07T06:55:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

Three Hiroshima Toyo Carp players—pitcher Taichi Ko, infielder Yasushi Sasaki, and infielder Konosuke Tatsumi—have been selected to represent Japan in the Luxus Asia Professional Baseball Championship 2026, held at the Tokyo Dome from November 12 to 15.

Samurai Japan manager Sukeshin Iguchi announced a 28-player roster primarily composed of players aged 24 or younger or those in their first three years of professional play. Iguchi utilized the three permitted overage slots (up to age 29) for Konosuke Tatsumi, Lotte Marines infielder Koki Yamaguchi, and SoftBank Hawks infielder Tomoya Masaki. Iguchi noted these selections are essential for the team’s future, specifically regarding the WBSC Premier12 and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Tatsumi was selected for his “signature speed” and his ability to serve as a pinch-runner in high-pressure situations.

Chunichi Dragons pitcher Hiroto Takahashi has been designated as the team’s ace. Iguchi expressed confidence in Takahashi’s leadership, stating he expects the pitcher to guide his peers. While the coaching staff intends to finalize the team’s captaincy following upcoming training camps, the selected Carp players have expressed their readiness: Taichi Ko aims to use his “strong fastball,” Yasushi Sasaki intends to maintain focus to contribute to a victory, and Tatsumi plans to showcase his speed.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-07: Samurai Japan announces roster for 2026 Asia Championship

Samurai Japan manager Sukeshin Iguchi announced his 28-man roster for the 2026 Asia Professional Baseball Championship, naming Hiroto Takahashi as the ace and selecting key overage players for future growth.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/samurai-japan-announces-roster-for-2026-asia-championship

### 2026-10-07: Hiroshima Carp players selected for Asia Professional Baseball Championship

Three Hiroshima Toyo Carp players—Taichi Ko, Yasushi Sasaki, and Konosuke Tatsumi—have been selected for the Asia Professional Baseball Championship 2026 in November.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hiroshima-carp-players-selected-for-asia-professional-baseball-championship

### 2026-09-28: Japanese youth baseball teams announced for NPB Junior Tournament 2026

Japanese baseball organizations have announced rosters for the NPB Junior Tournament KONAMI CUP 2026, featuring selected youth players from the Baseball Challenge League and Hiroshima Toyo Carp Junior.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japanese-youth-baseball-teams-announced-for-npb-junior-tournament-2026

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Cite as: Hiroshima Carp players selected for international play. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hiroshima-toyo-carp-players-selected-for-international-play