◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: The Giants vs. Softbank Hawks (26th, Tokyo Dome)
Softbank Hawks 's utility infield, Akira Kawase, has been removed from the active roster due to neck and back pain. This season, he played in 18 games with a batting average of .162, 0 Home Run, and 4 RBI.
In exchange, infielder Ryuta Hirose was promoted. He had posted excellent results in the minor leagues, with a batting average of .300, 2 Home Run, and 15 RBI.
![[Video] The whole nation was stunned!? Rikuryu's shocking "lift pitching style"](https://hochi.news/images/2026/05/26/20260526-OHT1I51069-L.jpg)
![[Scoreboard] The Giants vs. Softbank Hawks](/asset/img/news/source/logo_hochi.png){kind=logo}
![[Interleague Key Players -Softbank Hawks Edition] Starting pitcher #6 → Quality starter in every game, Ryosuke Otsu, the core of the pitching staff for a second consecutive championship: "I want to be a starter that can be relied on in the Japan Series."](https://hochi.news/images/2026/05/23/20260523-OHT1I51205-L.jpg)
![[Interleague Key Player -Nippon-Ham Edition] Manager Shinjo acknowledges Shun Mizutani as the "Interleague King," aiming for a surprise return from fracture. Manager: "I hope he can come back for the last five games"... 24-year record for the highest batting average: .438](https://hochi.news/images/2026/05/23/20260523-OHT1I51211-L.jpg)
![[Orix Buffaloes] Raoh Yutaro Sugimoto is back: "I want to remember my roots and work hard with humility." He has recovered from knee pain and will rejoin the first team for the interleague games starting on May 26.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/05/25/20260525-OHT1I51330-L.jpg)
