[Rakuten Eagles] Naoki Sato promoted to the first team and immediately put in the starting line-up as the #2 hitter and right fielder; McCusker to be used as designated hitter; start delayed due to rain | Pacific League

[Rakuten Eagles] Naoki Sato promoted to the first team and immediately put in the starting line-up as the #2 hitter and right fielder. McCusker will be used as the designated hitter. The start of the game was delayed due to rain.

Sports Hochi

July 31, 2026 17:40

◆ Pacific League: Rakuten Eagles vs. Softbank Hawks (31st, Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

Rakuten Eagles announced starting line-up for the game against Softbank Hawks on the 31st.

Naoki Sato outfielder, who returned to the first team from poor condition, was immediately promoted starting line-up. He started as the leadoff right fielder. Carson McCusker outfielder was used as the DH.

Starting mound pitcher Takahisa Hayakawa. Expectations are high for the left-pitch as he aims for his fifth win of the season.

It was also announced that the start of the match would be delayed due to rain.

Below is Rakuten Eagles 's starting line-up.

[Rakuten Eagles]

No. 1, Left Field: Nakajima

2nd baseman, right fielder Sato

3rd batter/center fielder Tatsumi

4th batter, DH McCusker

5th batter, second baseman Murabayashi

Number 6, first baseman: Asamura

Number 7, Third Baseman: Kurokawa

Number 8, catcher Ota