Softbank Hawks infielder Hotaka Yamakawa (34) was removed from the active roster for the first time this season on June 1st. He has hit nine Home Run, tied for third in the league, but his batting average is a low .175. He has also experienced a career-worst 31 consecutive at-bats without hit, and his slump has continued. In the game against Hiroshima on May 29th (Mizuho PayPay Dome), starting line-up in eight games, he went 0-hit 4 struck out At Bat After the game, manager Kokubo was also critical, saying, "He wasn't hitting in a very good way." He will not have any playing opportunities on May 30th and 31st, and it has been decided that he will be readjusted.

The slugger, who has hit a total of 284 home runs, has always maintained his stance, saying, "I strive to improve my skills every day. That's the same whether I'm in the first, second, or third team." He will be looking to make a comeback from the farm team facility in Chikugo, Fukuoka.