outfielder Masayuki Kuwahara, who has been sidelined due to a torn left oblique muscle, resumed defense and batting practice by the 21st.

In the third inning of the game against Nippon-Ham on the 11th (at Escon Stadium), with defense trailing by three runs, he was injured while throw and throwing a timely doble by Manami with two outs and a runner on first base. He was examined at a hospital in Sapporo during the game and was removed from the active roster the following day.

The two absences have left him feeling increasingly frustrated. Kuwahara, who transferred from DeNA as a free agent last offseason, had already been sidelined once in April due to a left calf muscle tear, and this is his second absence. He moved from Central League, which involves less travel, to Pacific League, which requires him to travel all over Japan. He denies any direct connection, saying, "I can sleep anywhere," but he is taking time to reflect on himself, saying, "The environment has changed, and I think there are probably various physical changes that I'm not aware of."

On this day, he joined the farm team players at the team facility to adjust his condition by catch, doing light fielding drills, and batting practice. "I feel like I'm giving 100% of what I can do right now. If you ask me if this is my maximum, I'd say no. But things are going smoothly, almost too smoothly," he said, wiping away sweat. Initially, it was announced that it would take about 4 to 6 weeks for him to return to playing due to his injury, but he is recovering at a faster pace than expected. He is expected to resume defense outfield in the near future.

With 52 games remaining in the season, he said, "First of all, I don't think it matters if I feel uncomfortable. I need to completely eliminate any anxiety, and a really important period is coming up. I have a strong desire to contribute this time." The team is hoping for their first league championship since 2019, and the return of this gutsy player who leads the young players by example is eagerly awaited.