Chunichi Dragons

Takeshi Yamasaki did not play in tonight's game against the Hanshin Tigers because of a jammed left ring finger.  Yamasaki suffered the injury while playing defense in the 3rd inning on Wednesday.

Yamasaki did take pre-game batting practice today, but the Dragons played it safe by giving him the night off.  His status for Friday's game is still up in the air (a decision will be made before the game).

Source: Nikkan Sports 8/23/2012

Hanshin Tigers

Shinjiro Hiyama entered the game as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the 8th against the Chunichi Dragons on Thursday night and hit a two-run single to left.  The two pinch-hit RBIs gave him ninety-eight over his career and moved him into a first place tie on the franchise list with Hiroshi Yagi.  It also moved him into a third place tie with Yagi on the CL All-time list behind Takao Murakami's (Miyagawa) 118 and Yonetoshi Kawamata's 105.

Source: Daily Sports 8/23/2012, Mainichi 8/23/2012

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Tomoaki Kanemoto (tightness in lower back) did not participate in pre-game workouts and did not play in tonight's game against the Chunichi Dragons.  He is expected to return to the team on Friday.  Source: Nikkan Sports 8/23/2012