Softbank Hawks Hawks outfielder Ukyo Shuto traveled to Hokkaido by air with the team on the 18th. The league season will resume with a three-game series against Nippon-Ham (at Escon Stadium) starting on the 19th.

Shuto was hit by Hit by Pitch in the right calf during the game against Yakult on the 12th (at Mizuho PayPay Dome) and had to leave the game. He was absent from the bench for the same series on the 13th and 14th. During the team practice held at Mizuho PayPay Dome on the 17th and 18th, he went through all the drills and revealed that he is recovering, saying, "Whether I play or not depends on tomorrow. But I can run to a certain extent. I think my swing will be okay too."

However, he said that he feels pain when he squats, and added, "I probably can't slide." He also said, "I've never been hit (in the right calf). I'm afraid of tearing a muscle, so I'll be careful," indicating that he won't push himself too hard.