◆ Pacific League Rakuten Eagles 0-5 Lotte (August 1st, Koriyama)

Rakuten Eagles outfielder Naoki Sato was substituted out of the game.

He started starting line-up as the leadoff hitter and right fielder, but was replaced by Muto in the fifth defense. After the game, manager Yoshii explained about Sato, "He's not in good condition. We plan to remove him from the roster for now."

Sato missed the games Orix Buffaloes on June 27th and 28th to rest. He returned to starting line-up on the 30th of the same month.

Normally, he never fails to sprint to first base after hitting, but in the last two games, there were noticeable instances where he wasn't able to pick up speed. He also showed awkwardness when heading to right field for defense. His absence is a blow, as he was bringing momentum to the team both offensively and defensively.