Seibu Lions outfielder Masayuki Kuwahara was removed from the active roster on the 12th due to a torn left oblique muscle. He is expected to be out for 4 to 6 weeks, and his return to the first team may be delayed until September. He felt discomfort in the injured area while throwing in the third inning of defense against Nippon-Ham on the 11th (at Escon Stadium).

In the fourth inning, he took a hard blow to his upper body while headfirst sliding. He was substituted out of defense in the fifth inning and was examined at a hospital in Sapporo during the game. The next day, it was decided that he would be sent to the minor leagues for adjustment.

In his place, infielder Reon Murata was registered.