Softbank Hawks

Nobuhiro Matsuda (fracture in right hand) worked out for about two hours the Saitozaki training facilities today.  Source: Nikkan Sports 8/26/2012

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When Chiba Lotte Marine Josh Whitesell fouled off a pitch during his at bat in the 6th, his back-swing hit Toru Hosokawa's left wrist.  This marked the second time this season that Hosokawa was hit by Whitesell's back-swing.  Source: Nikkan Sports 8/26/2012

Nippon Ham Fighters

Yuki Saito has so far given up twenty-one runs in four Ni-gun games and is no closer to returning to the active roster than he was last week.

At this point, the first three pitchers in the Ichi-gun starting rotation will likely be Masaru Takeda, Mitsuo Yoshikawa, and Brian Wolfe.  Masaru Nakamura, Keisuke Tanimoto, Kazuhito Tadano, and Tomoya Yagi are currently battling it out for the final three spots.  There was hope Y. Saito would join this group, but at this point, will likely remain at Ni-gun for an indefinite amount of time.

Source: Sanspo 8/26/2012, Nikkan Sports 8/26/2012

Seibu Lions

Yosuke Okamoto was called up today made the first start of his Ichi-gun career.  He did not pitch particularly well and took the loss: 3 IP, 60 NP, 18 BF, 7 H, 1 SO, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 3 WP, 5 R, 5 ER.

The Lions have already decided to send Okamoto back to Ni-gun.

Source: Sponichi 8/26/2012

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The Lions are 37-17-3 when they score the first run of the game.  Since July, they are 16-1-1.  Source: Sponichi 8/26/2012

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Takeya Nakamura's left knee and left shoulder are still not 100%.  Source: Sanspo 8/26/2012

Orix Buffaloes

During a talk session before Saturday's game against the Seibu Lions, Ralph Bryant told fans he would be happy to take a batting coach job with the team, if such an offer were to be made.  Source: Sanspo 8/26/2012

Rakuten Eagles

Kazuo Matsui collected his eighth walk-off hit on Saturday.  It also happened to be: his first outing as a pinch-hitter since October 1, 2001; and the first pinch-hit hit of his NPB career (he went 12-for-47 as a pinch-hitter in the Majors).  Source: Nikkan Sports 8/26/2012

Chiba Lotte Marines

Doug Mathis likes the food in Japan, particularly ramen and curry rice.  His wife Stephanie arrived in Japan the other day.  Source: Daily Sports 8/26/2012

Pitching coach Takashi Nishimoto told reporters Mathis was open-minded and a quick learner.  Source: Sponichi 8/26/2012