Softbank Hawks Hawks manager Hiroki Kokubo stated on August 1st that pitcher Liván Moinelo who is currently adjusting in the minor leagues, "will pitch in the major leagues next time." Moinelo had been undergoing rehabilitation in the minor leagues after participating in the WBC with Cuba, as he was not in top condition. He showed signs of recovery in a farm league game against the Orix Orix Buffaloes on July 31st (at Tamasta Chikugo), runs in six innings. After reviewing the video, the manager said, "He was throwing lightly towards the end. He won't perform at his best unless he's on the major league stage."

Despite their ace pitcher not making a single appearance in the first half of the season, the team was leading the league with a 24-game lead. "Moinelo is a positive factor for the second half. If he can contribute to the win, we'll be closer to the championship," he said in a press conference summarizing the first half of the season, expressing his expectations for him as a key player in the pennant race. His return is considered highly likely for the three-game series Seibu Lions (Belluna Dome) starting on the 7th.