◆Exhibition game: Softbank Hawks vs. Chunichi (March 18, Mizuho PayPay Dome)

Softbank Hawks Hawks outfielder Ukyo Shuto and infielder Taisei Makihara, who had been participating in the WBC as members of the Japanese national team, have rejoined the team.

On the 14th (15th Japan time), they lost to Venezuela in the quarterfinals (Lone Depot Park, Miami, Florida, USA) and returned to Japan on the 16th. From Softbank Hawks, Shuto, Makihara Dai, Kondo, and Matsumoto Yu were selected for the Japanese national team, and on this day, Shuto and Makihara Dai participated in pre-game practice. Makihara Dai appeared from the early morning practice and spoke with Yamakawa, who was selected for the 2023 WBC Japanese national team.

Kondo and Matsumoto Yu are scheduled to join the team for full practice on the 19th (at Mizuho PayPay Stadium).