The Orix Buffaloes announced on the 4th that catcher Sho Fukunaga was examined at a hospital in Osaka City on the 3rd and was diagnosed with a bruise on the left side of his head (including a partial laceration). He will continue to practice while monitoring the condition of the affected area.

He started as the 'No. 9 catcher' in the farm interleague game against The Giants (G-Town) on the 1st. During the eighth inning defense, he was struck in the head by The Giants' Sasahara's bat in an accident and was rushed to the hospital.