◆Exhibition game: Hiroshima 5-5 Softbank Hawks (March 22nd, Mazda Stadium)

Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo revealed after the game that he had informed infielder Yuto Akihiro.

The 23-year-old, in his second year with the team after transferring from The Giants, hit a team-leading three Home Run in the preseason, but he couldn't survive the intense competition for first base and outfield positions. Manager Kokubo explained, "He'll be in the farm system for now. It's the same as Tatsu (Yanagimachi) from last year, but he's not the type of player who will make it later. He'll be the third-string pinch first baseman. So, will he play left field, designated hitter, or first base? For example, he'll be playing in the farm system so that we can pop him in if someone gets injured or sick. I explained to him that this is how we're going to build the team." Ihine and Shoji, who are valuable defense substitutes and pinch runners, made the opening day roster for the first team.