The Softbank Hawks announced on the 21st that pitcher Ryosuke Otsu underwent surgery at a hospital in Saga City on the same day for a right olecranon stress fracture and bone spur disorder, involving right olecranon screw fixation and right elbow joint cleaning, which was completed successfully. According to the club, he is expected to return to competition in 4 to 5 months.

In his fourth season this year, Otsu pitched 144 1/3 innings across 22 games, contributing to the Softbank Hawks' third consecutive league title with a record of 12 wins, 5 losses, and an ERA of 2.68.