◆Nippon Life Interleague Series 2026 Orix Buffaloes 2-1 Hanshin Tigers (June 12, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes infielder Kotaro Kobayashi started the game as the third batter and shortstop, but complained of discomfort in his left leg and left the game in the fifth inning. In the first inning, with a one-run defense, he hit his eighth home run of the season to the upper deck of left field off Hanshin Tigers 's Murakami. He continued to play as usual after that, but suddenly Gibo took his place at shortstop.

After the game, manager Kishida explained, "I think it happened during defense. We replaced him as a precaution. He went to the hospital, so we'll have to wait for the results. I'll report back once the tests are complete."

Among pitcher, ace Miyagi and Yamashita underwent elbow surgery and will be out for the rest of the season. Among fielder, Hirooka, Moritomo, and Watanabe are also sidelined due to injuries, so we can only hope that Kurebayashi is fine.