◆Exhibition game: Softbank Hawks vs. Chunichi (March 17, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks Yuki Yanagita outfielder Jeter Downs infielder Nippon-Ham The two players did not show up for pre-game practice that day.

Yanagida developed neck pain towards the end of spring training. He missed the Taiwan tour but later returned to the team early. He also played in eight exhibition games, but missed the game against DeNA on the 14th (Yokohama) again due to neck pain.

On this day, he underwent a thorough medical examination. Manager Kokubo commented, "I think it's a chronic problem. I said before that he'll have to live with it, but I don't think it will be dramatically cured." Regarding the opening game on the 27th, he said, "It depends on the test results. I wonder if he'll be able to play while living with it," indicating that it's unclear whether he'll be ready in time.

Additionally, Downs, who was representing Nicaragua in the WBC, went to the hospital due to tightness in his right calf.