Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo spoke to the press after a full team practice at Mizuho PayPay Dome on the 8th, discussing Kenta Imamiya, who was removed from the active roster on the 7th due to a right hamstring strain. He revealed that the injury was less severe than initially expected, stating, 'I met with him today, and his condition was better than I thought. It looks like he can start moving around the beginning of next week. When it first happened (on the 5th), I thought it might take a bit longer.'

Furthermore, he stated that the condition for promotion was being able to play defense, saying, "It would probably be from around the fourth game (of the Climax Series Final Stage). He says he is aiming for that point in case the series gets dragged out. Since we have a limited roster of 17 fielders, I sent him off with the instruction to improve his condition not just for pinch-hitting, but to the point where he can play defense."