It was learned on the 6th that Seibu Lions Lions outfielder Masayuki Kuwahara (33), who has been undergoing rehabilitation in the minor leagues due to a torn left oblique muscle, is expected to rejoin the first team as early as mid-May.

He made his return to action in the farm team game against Hanshin Tigers on the 5th (Belluna Dome), playing as the leadoff hitter and left fielder. He led his team to a 3-0 bases loaded, and in his second hit RBI in the 2nd inning with the At Bat loaded and no outs, he hit sacrifice fly field, going 0-for-2 with one RBI. After the first team game against Lotte on the same day (ZOZO Marine Stadium), manager Nishiguchi explained the plan, saying, "We're aiming for his return to the first team around mid-August. He'll play in a few more games first."

Kuwahara was injured while throw in center defense during a game against Nippon-Ham on July 11th (at Escon Stadium). Initially, the team announced that it would take about 4 to 6 weeks for him to return to playing. However, as he began to increase the intensity of his batting and defense practice, he revealed that things were "going almost too smoothly," suggesting that his return to the first team may be sooner than expected.