Softbank Hawks Koya Fujii pitcher (29) is considering surgery on his right elbow. On that day, he left the Miyazaki camp and returned to Fukuoka due to poor conditioning in the same area. He returned to Fukuoka after leaving the Miyazaki camp that day due to poor condition of the elbow. The details will be worked out later," Kokubo explained. Even if he avoids surgery, the delay in his conditioning will be unavoidable, and it will be extremely difficult for him to be ready for the season opener.

Last season, Fujii formed the win formula "Kiju Trio" with Sugiyama and Matsumoto Yutaka. They pitched 51 times, recording 2 wins and 3 losses, 19 hold, and ERA of 1.44. This year, he complained of discomfort in his right elbow in January and slowed down. He joined camp on February 17th, and just on the 20th, he pitch for the first time with catcher sitting behind him. His absence is a major blow to the team. Dark clouds are gathering over bullpen, which was supposed to support the team's third consecutive league championship.