◆Exhibition game: Hiroshima vs. Softbank Hawks (22nd, Mazda Stadium)

Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo revealed on the 22nd that there is information suggesting that pitcher Liván Moinelo, who participated in the WBC with Cuba, may arrive in Japan as early as the 23rd. "The rumor is that he'll be here tomorrow. I don't really know. Seriously. It seems they can't get in touch with him," he said, indicating that details remain unclear. Moinelo has already been removed from the starting rotation for the opening game, and his future plans will be decided after he arrives and his physical condition is assessed. "We don't even know if he'll get on a plane, so we'll decide everything once he arrives. It's all something we'll discuss after we meet him," he explained. The starting rotation will begin with six pitchers: Uwasawa, Ozeki, Otsu, Haru Matsumoto, Stewart, and Hsu Jo-Hsi.

The left-handed pitcher, who was the league MVP last season, started two games in the first round (Pool A) of the WBC held in Puerto Rico, pitching 7 1/3 innings ERA of 0.00. After being eliminated in the first round, the date for his return to Japan had not yet been decided.