It became increasingly likely on the 25th that Orix Buffaloes pitcher Sean Hjelle (28) of the Giants will not be included in the opening day rotation. It appears that he has prioritized his conditioning, and he is expected to skip the third game of the season Rakuten Eagles (29th at Kyocera Dome), in which he was expected to start. The team is looking to find a replacement, with Tajima among the candidates.

Jerry, a former major league pitcher and the tallest right-hander in history at 213 cm, joined the team and runs only one run in a total of 12 innings during spring training. He also runs two scoreless innings in a farm league game against Hanshin Tigers on the 24th (at Kyocera Dome). His injury appears to be minor, and he aims to return to the first team in full fitness.