[Softbank Hawks] Manager Yuki Kokubo comments on the timeline for Hotaka Yamakawa ’s promotion to the first team while he’s training with the second team: “I don’t want to call him up just to have him go back and forth.” He hit a three-run homer in the second team game the day before; meanwhile, on the first team, Tomoya Masaki is putting up a strong performance while also playing first base alongside outfield | Pacific League.com

[Softbank Hawks] Manager Yuki Kokubo comments on the timeline for Hotaka Yamakawa ’s promotion to the first team while he’s training with the second team: “I don’t want to call him up just to have him go back and forth.” He hit a three-run homer in the second team game the day before. Meanwhile, on the first team, Tomoya Masaki is doing his best while also playing first base alongside outfield.

Sports Hochi

August 1, 2026 16:29

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

Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo spoke about the prospects for infielder Hotaka Yamakawa 's return to the first team, after he was removed from the active roster on June 1st due to poor performance.

"Yesterday's home run was a good home run," he said, praising his hitting in the minor league game against Orix Buffaloes on July 31st (at Tamasta Chikugo). He then explained, "If we were to call him up (to the first team), we wouldn't want to call him up if we were going to play him on and off. There are other reasons as well, but for now (the coaching staff) doesn't have that in mind. If we call him up, he'll be a regular. Masaki is doing his best (playing both outfield and first base), and he's been playing in outfield all along. That's something to consider."