Seibu Lions’ developmental player Ramal has resumed batting practice after a serious injury in March. He aims for a full-power return next spring.
Lotte Marines leadoff man Fujiwara Kyota has been sidelined due to a right shoulder anterior subluxation, dealing a blow to the team’s hot-hitting offense.
Yomiuri Giants are implementing strict interval management for their starting pitchers, using a flexible rotation to keep them refreshed. The team is targeting its first championship in two years, with the real battle expected after summer.
In other news, Hanshin Tigers’ 30-year-old left-handed pitcher has won the Central League monthly award, marking a standout performance in May.
The NPB standings as of late May show Yakult Swallows leading the Central League with 23 wins, followed by Hanshin Tigers (21-14-1) and Yomiuri Giants (18-18-0). In the Pacific League, Orix Buffaloes hold the top spot with 22 wins, while SoftBank Hawks (19-16-0) and Seibu Lions (20-17-1) trail closely.
Individual leaders include Hanshin’s Sato with a .377 batting average and Seibu’s Takahashi Kona with a 0.84 ERA in the Pacific League.