◆Nippon Seimei Central-Pa. Exchange Games 2026 Chunichi-Softbank Hawks (2nd, Vantelin Dome)

Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo commented on infielder Hotaka Yamakawa, who was removed from the active roster on the 1st.

This season, Yamakawa had hit nine Home Run, tied for third in the league, but his batting average was a low .175. He had also experienced a career-worst 31 consecutive at-bats without hit, and his slump continued. Speaking to reporters before the game, manager Kokubo said that the removal from the active roster was "not temporary," and was reluctant to see Yamakawa return to the first team in as little as 10 days. He has also accompanied the second team on their road trip to Kansai starting on the 2nd, and expressed hope for a speedy recovery, saying, "We need that explosive power to win the championship."