Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo gave a summary of the first half of the season on the 27th. pitcher Liván Moinelo, who has been behind in his preparation since the WBC in March, has yet to pitch this season. Looking ahead to the second half of the season, Manager Kokubo revealed, "Moinelo has started off well so far and is progressing smoothly."

After 93 games, they are comfortably in first place with a 24-game lead over second-place Seibu Lions, 5.5 games ahead. The manager reflected on the reasons for their success, saying, "We've established a winning pattern with our relief reliever (Osuna, Matsumoto Yu, and Sugiyama). Also, Kondo and Kurihara are at the heart of the batting lineup and are really leading the team."

Boasting a strong record of not having lost a single series in all 11 series since the interleague games ended, the team is also on the verge of welcoming back last season’s Pacific League MVP left-hander. Moinelo started in the Farm League game on the 23rd against Chunichi.Over three innings, he threw 59 pitches, recording 4 hit 1 runs, and 5 strike out. His fastball was clocked at 152 km/h, and he expressed confidence about his return to the first team, saying, “I’m almost 100 percent there. If I keep pitching like this, I think I’ll be ready to pitch for the first team.”

The manager indicated his rotation strategy for the second half of the season, saying, "It will probably be around seven or eight pitchers," while also expressing his hope that "things will change when Moinelo returns." With 50 games remaining in the season, he said, "I don't know how many appearances he'll be able to make in the second half, but if he can build up a winning record, it will bring us closer to winning the championship," as the return of the reliable left-hander is eagerly awaited as they aim for a third consecutive Pacific League title.