Softbank Hawks announced on the 20th that pitcher Juto Kobayashi (23), formerly of Hiroshima and currently playing for Tokushima in the Shikoku Island League, will be joining the team as a developmental player. number will be "165". An introductory press conference will be held at Mizuho PayPay on the 21st.

Kobayashi joined Hiroshima in 2020 as the fourth pick in the draft from Chiben Wakayama High School. He made two appearances in NPB, with no wins or losses and ERA of 9.64, and left the team at the end of 2025.

This season, he made seven appearances in Tokushima, recording three wins and one loss with ERA of 2.33.

Softbank Hawks is in fourth place, four games behind league leaders Seibu Lions. Moinelo, who played for Cuba in the WBC, has not yet pitched this season due to a delayed adjustment period. Uwasawa, who was the opening day pitcher, was removed from the active roster on the 17th due to poor physical condition. Haru Matsumoto, Stewart, Ozeki, Hsu Jo-Hsi, who were in the opening day rotation, are also currently in the minor leagues for adjustment.