Chiba Lotte Marines: Draft greeting for 2nd-round developmental pick Toma Sasaki

Chiba Lotte Marines conducted a draft pick greeting for pitcher Toma Sasaki, who was selected as the 2nd developmental pick in the "2026 Professional baseball Draft Meeting supported by Lipovitan D."

▼Comment from Sasaki▼
"I know there are still many challenges to overcome, so I will work desperately hard, focusing first on winning a spot on the active roster."

Orix Buffaloes sign provisional contract with first-round developmental draft pick Ryota Kurokawa

Orix Buffaloes signed a provisional contract with pitcher Ryota Kurokawa, who was selected as the first pick in the developmental draft at the "2026 Professional baseball Draft Conference supported by Lipovitan D."

▼Comment from Kurokawa▼
"I am truly glad that this day has arrived, and I feel a stronger sense that I must work even harder from now on. Since Orix Buffaloes also has Wakatsuki-san and Uehara-san, who are my seniors from high school, I feel very encouraged. First, I will focus on building a body that is resistant to injury, and I will do my best to become a pitcher who can aim for the Sawamura Award in the future."

Fukuoka Softbank Manager Hiroki Kokubo receives the Shōriki Matsutarō Award

Fukuoka Softbank Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo has received the "Matsutaro Shoriki Award," which is presented to the person in the baseball world who has contributed the most to the development of professional baseball. This marks his second consecutive year and second time receiving the award.

▼Manager Hiroki Kokubo's Comment▼
"Following last year, I am extremely honored to receive the prestigious Matsutaro Shoriki Award.
On behalf of the team, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all stakeholders and all the fans.
In a season where we set the goals of winning three consecutive league titles and becoming Japan Series champions for the second year in a row, the players understood their respective roles and fought through to achieve those goals.

Under this year's team slogan 'Zenshin' (All New), I believe we were able to take on truly new challenges and push through the season with the courage to change and unwavering determination. Furthermore, the dedicated support of the coaches, staff, and front office, as well as the cheers from the fans who watched over us warmly and sometimes strictly, were a great source of strength. I believe this award is a testament to the high organizational strength of the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks and the fact that each individual was able to fulfill their role as a member of a professional team.

Next year as well, we will continue to set new goals, keep taking on new challenges, and continue building a team that the people of Fukuoka and The Hawks fans across the country can be proud of. Thank you very much for this honor."

Fukuoka Softbank: Yuki Yanagita and Naoyuki Uwasawa undergo surgery

Fukuoka Softbank announced that Yuki Yanagita underwent right 5th/6th cervical spondylotic radiculopathy-related right 5th/6th cervical total endoscopic foraminotomy at a hospital in Amagasaki City. He is expected to return to competition in 2 to 3 months.

Additionally, it was also announced that pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa underwent right elbow joint cleaning surgery due to right olecranon bone spur disorder at a hospital in Saga City. Pitcher Uwasawa is expected to return to competition in 3 to 4 months.

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