Nippon-Ham announced on the 8th that pitcher Sauryn Lao (27) departed Japan on a flight on the night of the 7th to return to his home country.

The right-hander from the Dominican Republic, in his first year in Japan, made three relief appearances for the first team this season with no wins or losses and an ERA of 3.60. In the second team, he appeared in nine games (one start) with a record of 2 wins, 0 losses, and an ERA of 2.30. He had a unique background, having played as a fielder in the United States before converting to a pitcher in 2022 and making his Major League debut.