◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles 3-0 Nippon-Ham (July 7th, Rakuten Eagles Mobile)

Rakuten Eagles 's Kenta Maeda had to leave the pitcher unexpectedly, postponing his 166th career win in Japan and the US.

He was making his second start of the season, looking for his first white star in 3,840 days since October 2, 2015 against Chunichi (Mazda), but after throwing his second pitch to Tamiya with one out in the 0-0 4th inning, he showed signs of concern about his right calf. After throwing his third pitch, he dropped to the back of the bench and left the game. After the game, the veteran said, "The pitching itself was not bad. I'm disappointed that I had to come off the mound in the middle of the game, and I'm sorry to everyone at reliever.

In his home opener against Softbank Hawks on March 31st (Rakuten Eagles Mobile), he pitched 4 1/3 innings, giving up 5 hit, 5 Walk, and 2 runs, his usual control being nowhere to be seen. Mount, who pitched again after six days of rest, was also forced to leave the game after 3 1/3 innings and 65 pitches. In the bitter cold with temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, he was unable to satisfy the fans who had come to support him. In his next appearance, he will be aiming for his first win since returning to Japanese baseball, hoping that "third time's the charm."

◆Kenta Maeda: Born April 11, 1988, in Osaka Prefecture. Age 37. Participated in Koshien in the summer of his first year and the spring of his third year while attending PL Gakuen High School. Drafted in the first round of the 2006 high school draft by the Hiroshima Carp. Transferred to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason of 2015 and played in MLB until this season. Represented Japan in the 2013 WBC and the 2015 Premier12. Awards include two Sawamura Awards, two Most win, three Best ERA, two Most strike out, three Best Nine selections, and five Golden Glove Awards. 185 cm, 84 kg. Right-handed pitcher, right-handed batter.