 With the release of Hector Luna in the off-season, Shūhei was all but guaranteed third base and took his place in the starting day line-up, batting 7, against the Hanshin Tigers.After Ryosuke Hirata's injury early in the season, due to superb batting form, Shūhei was elevated to number 3 in the line-up.Up until the end of April, he was averaging .276 with 3 homers and 13 RBIs.