DeNA’s Yoshitomo Tsutsugo, who had been sidelined with an upper body condition, made his game return during the team’s three-game series against the Hayate in the farm league, going 1-for-6 at the plate. He also played defense at first and third base, showing smooth recovery progress. On the other hand, pitcher Austin Cox (29, formerly of the Braves) underwent internal brace surgery on the ulnar collateral ligament of his left elbow, making a return this season highly unlikely.
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Here is a recap of last week’s roster changes and farm league updates for each Central League team.
**Yakult**: Infielder Hideki Nagaoka (24) is making steady progress toward a first-team return. He was removed from the active roster on April 30 and has been adjusting at Toda. Manager Shingo Ikeda explained, “It won’t recover in 2-3 days. It’s not an injury.” Nagaoka has been practicing at near game intensity. On May 6, he said, “My body feels great.” Infielder Keigo Kitamura (25) was also removed from the roster on May 11 and could be promoted back on May 12 without any game action.
**Hanshin**: Pitchers Hiroto Monbetsu (21) and Motoki Hayakawa (26), who made their first starts of the season against Chunichi on May 4-5, both failed to deliver results and were removed from the roster the following day. Pitchers Hiroshi Hatake (31), Go Shiiba (24), and infielder Yuhi Motoyama (27) were promoted to the first team for the first time this season. Additionally, 2023 first-round draft pick Kaisei Shimomura (24), aiming to return from Tommy John surgery, pitched in a live batting practice session on May 9 at SGL. First-round pick Masahiro Tateishi (22), who is working back from a right hamstring strain, stood in the batter’s box during that session, providing a bright sign.
**Yomiuri**: Outfielder Yoshihiro Maru (37) hit a home run in his first at-bat after returning to the first team. He started the season on the active roster but was removed on April 20 after batting just .071. In farm league games, he appeared in 15 contests, posting a .316 average with one home run, and rejoined the first team on May 9. That same day, he entered as a pinch hitter in the eighth inning against Chunichi and crushed a two-run homer—his first of the season. The 19-year veteran is now on an upward trajectory.
**Hiroshima**: Outfielder Shogo Akiyama (38), who injured his left hamstring against Yakult on May 10, was removed from the active roster on May 11. He is expected to be replaced by outfield prospect Shunsuke Tamura (22). Tamura, who had been given many opportunities to start last season but was not called up to the first team, will be promoted for the first time since May 11 of last year. Pitcher Haruka Akagi (22), who made his first start on the same day, was also removed from the active roster.
**Chunichi**: Infielder Ryuku Tsuchida (23) has been showing his versatility since his initial promotion on April 24. Although his primary position is shortstop, he has also played outfield for the first time at the top level. At the plate, he has already hit two home runs, covering for the multiple outfield injuries. In the farm league, pitcher Tatsuya Shimizu (26), who was delayed by back pain, has been impressive, throwing six scoreless innings across six appearances with eight strikeouts while also handling consecutive outings.
