Lotte’s Kyota Fujiwara initially remained in the game but was later replaced by a pinch hitter.
Lotte’s Kyota Fujiwara (Photo: Kobayashi Yasushi)
Lotte removed outfielder Kyota Fujiwara from the active roster on the 11th after he suffered a right anterior shoulder subluxation during a play the previous day. The team announced he was replaced mid-game on the 10th.
In the game against SoftBank, Fujiwara started as the leadoff hitter and right fielder. During the fifth inning, he collided with the outfield fence while chasing a fly ball. He initially continued playing but was replaced by pinch hitter Kura Ikeda in the sixth inning.
Fujiwara had appeared in 35 games this season, posting a .297 batting average with 2 home runs and 17 RBIs, along with 4 stolen bases. In other roster moves, Rakuten removed pitcher Ryota Takinaka, and Seibu removed pitcher Keita Horikoshi from their active rosters.
In the Central League, Chunichi sent pitcher Reia Nakachi for reconditioning after he allowed 3 runs on 3 hits in just one inning against Yomiuri on the 10th. Additionally, second-round draft pick Rainosuke Sakurai was sent to the minors after starting the same day’s game and giving up 3 runs on 4 hits over 5 innings.