On the 5th, Softbank Hawks announced that pitcher Ryosuke Otsu 's number will be changed from '26' to '19'.

Otsu joined Softbank Hawks as the second pick in the 2022 draft. In his first year with the team in 2023, he pitched in 46 games as a relief pitcher, recording two wins, 13 hold, and ERA of 2.43, before transitioning to a starting pitcher in 2024. Last season, he pitched in 19 games and 119 1/3 innings, recording seven wins and seven losses ERA 2.87. This season, he pitched in 12 games and 65 2/3 innings, recording six wins and two losses with ERA of 1.92.

Speaking of Softbank Hawks 's number 19, it was worn by Takuya Kai for five years from 2020 until he moved to The Giants as a free agent, and before that it was worn by Masahiko Morifuku.