◆パ・リーグ　日本ハム―ソフトバンク（１４日・エスコンフィールド）

Nippon-Ham Leo Shibata (Leo) pitcher was registered as a reliever on the 14th for the first team.

He made his first start of the season on June 4 against Hiroshima (at Mazda Stadium). He pitched four innings, allowing only one runs, showcasing his two-way skills. However, on June 21 against Softbank Hawks (at Escon Stadium), he was hit by a batted ball near the base of his right pinky finger and had to leave the game in the middle of the third inning after giving up one runs. He was losing pitcher.

Despite being only in his second year as a professional, Shibata was promoted to the first team for the third time this season. He expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I'm very grateful to have been called up like this, and to know that they consider me a valuable asset regardless of whether I'm a reliever or a starter. I want to live up to those expectations."