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

Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo revealed when the WBC team will rejoin the team.

Four players from the team outfielder Ukyo Shuto, outfielder Kensuke Kondo, infielder Taisei Makihara, pitcher Yuki Matsumoto—participated in the tournament as representatives of Japan. On the 14th (15th Japan time), they lost to Venezuela in the quarterfinals (Lone Depot Park, Miami, Florida, USA) and have already returned to Japan. Regarding their return to the main team, manager Kokubo revealed, "They are all tentatively scheduled to come the day after tomorrow (19th). Shuto and Makihara might come tomorrow." As for their use in exhibition games, he indicated that they will be given playing time in the three-game series against Hiroshima starting on the 20th, depending on the players' wishes.