Orix Buffaloes 's new foreign player, infielder Bob Seymour (formerly of the Rays), recorded his first hit in Japan on the 18th. He started as the number two hitter and first baseman for the White team in an intrasquad game. In the first inning, with one out and a runner on first, he hit Takashima's cutter to left-center field on a 1-2 count. "It was good to get a hit. I was really relieved. If it were during the regular season, that would have been doble," he said with a big smile.

On the same day, his teammate Tonmiya was diagnosed with a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Although he is also first baseman at first base, Tonmiya was choked up as he said, "He's a very central figure in the clubhouse, always encouraging us... It's a real blow to the team." He promised, "Until he returns, and even after that, I want to do my best to help the team. Everyone will cooperate little by little and build up our strength."