◆ Pacific League: Rakuten Eagles vs. Softbank Hawks (August 1st, Rakuten Eagles Mobile Saikyo Park Miyagi)

Rakuten Eagles will face Softbank Hawks in their first game of the second half of the season on the 1st.

outfielder Naoki Sato who had been sidelined due to poor physical condition, returned to the first team on July 31st. With Sato's return, who has played in 46 games this season with a batting average of .274, 6 Home Run, and 17 RBI, the team's outfielder depth has been strengthened.

In July, McCusker, Tatsumi, and Nakajima were the three regular outfield. With Sato's return, not only will outfield be stronger, but starting line-up will also have more options. On the 31st, the day before the game was canceled due to rain, it was announced that McCusker, who had been playing left field, would be used as the designated hitter.

The team is currently in last place with a deficit of 18 losses. They aim to climb the ranks by strengthening their roster.