◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026: DeNA 8-3 Softbank Hawks (May 5th, Yokohama)

Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo (54) revealed on the 5th that catcher Yudai Yamamoto (27) has suffered a stress fracture in his left hamate bone. He will be removed from the active roster on the 6th, but will travel with the first team. Kokubo said that Yamamoto is an indispensable asset for the team's quest for their 10th interleague championship, stating that he "has a lot of information about Central League."

Yu Yamamoto joined the team in a trade from DeNA on May 12th and had appeared in 14 games so far. Most recently, he played as the "number 5 hitter and catcher" in the game against Chunichi on the 3rd (at Vantelin Dome), going 1-At Bat RBI 3 with one hit. He complained of pain in his left wrist in the 7th inning and was substituted out of the game. After that, he underwent an examination at a hospital in Nagoya and arrived at the stadium with the team for the game against DeNA on this day (in Yokohama). However, he was not included in the bench roster.

Manager Kokubo emphasized, "He can receive treatment even if he stays here (with the first team)." He will bring the experience he gained in the Central League since turning pro in 2018 to his new team.