Softbank Hawks Hawks pitcher Livan Moinelo, whose arrival in Japan has been delayed due to his participation in the WBC with Cuba, was explained by pitcher coach Shinji Kurano. "We have checked the flight schedule, and he will not be arriving today," he said, denying the rumor that he would arrive on the 23rd. "He is scheduled to arrive before the opening day," meaning he will join the team by the 27th at the latest. Cuba is experiencing a serious fuel shortage, resulting in numerous large-scale power outages and making it difficult to contact the outside world. According to sources, the journey from Cuba to Fukuoka, including connecting flights, will take a full two days. Softbank Hawks has already removed Moinelo from their opening day rotation.

　全米記者協会に所属するフランシス・ロメロ記者が日本時間２２日に「複数の関係者によると、キューバ人のスター投手のライデル・マルティネスとリバン・モイネロは明日（２２日＝日本時間２３日）所属する球団に再合流する予定だ」と自身のＸ（旧ツイッター）に投稿。小久保監督も２２日に「うわさでは明日とか」と、２３日に来日する情報もあると話していた。