Softbank Hawks Hawks catcher Soichiro Ishizuka, who had been hospitalized with a fractured mandible, was discharged on the 3rd and gave his first interview since his absence at Mizuho PayPay Dome.

During the game Orix Buffaloes on June 23rd (at Mizuho PayPay Stadium), Machado's fastball hit him directly in the face. He collapsed and was unable to move, and was transported to the hospital by ambulance with his neck and head immobilized. He has been focusing on treatment since then, but is scheduled to join the rehabilitation group from the 4th.

Even after being hit Hit by Pitch, he said, "I felt incredibly fine. On the way to the hospital, I asked the trainers, 'Will I be able to play tomorrow?' and they said, 'Yes, you can.'" He also revealed that he hadn't lost much weight because he was only on a liquid diet for two or three days, and commented, "Maybe I was lucky to get hit in a good spot."

Furthermore, while he was hospitalized, Machado sent him a message on his social media. "It was in English, so I translated it very carefully. He said he hoped I would recover soon. I don't hold any grudges or anything like that. On the contrary, I was grateful that he sent me such a message," he said, adding that he also translated the Japanese into English and sent a reply.

"I personally would like to return as soon as tomorrow. My body is in good condition. I also have some physical issues to consider, so I want to prepare to play in a game slowly but surely," said Ishizuka. He wants to return to the first team stage as soon as possible.