Softbank Hawks

Shota Takeda is currently slated to start Game 2 of the First Stage of the Climax Series.  Source: Sanspo 10/12/2012

===

Wily Mo Pena took forty-four swings during batting practice at Yahoo Dome on Thursday and hit five over the fence.  He also told reporters that his back was feeling fine and that he was ready to play.  Source: Nikkan Sports 10/12/2012

===

Hiroki Yamada was taken off the active roster on Wednesday because of inflammation in his left shoulder.

Said the team trainer, "We shut [Yamada] down.  He lost some strength and I am not sure when he will be able to throw again."

If the team makes it to the next stage, there is a good chance Yamada will not be ready to pitch.

Source: Nikkan Sports 10/12/2012

Nippon Ham Fighters

Yuki Saito tossed two shutout innings during a practice game against the Hanwha Eagles (KBO) today.  He also gave up two hits, struck out three, and topped out at 146km/h.  Source: Sponichi 10/12/2012, Nikkan Sports 10/12/2012

===

Hisashi Takeda threw twenty-six pitches in the bullpen today.  Source: Nikkan Sports 10/12/2012

===

Shinya Tsuruoka twisted his right ankle while trying to score in the 2nd inning of a Phoenix League game on Thursday.  The injury does not appear to be serious.  Source: Sanspo 10/12/2012

===

Mitsuo Yoshikawa has a good chance to start Game 1 of the Final Stage of the Climax Series.  Source: Sponichi 10/12/2012

Seibu Lions

Takeya Nakamura took forty-four swings during batting practice at Seibu Dome on Thursday and hit four over the fence.  While Nakamura's left knee is still not 100% (he had to skipped out on pre-game batting practice on the 3rd and spent the 9th getting treatment for it), he told reporters that it was not a problem when he hits.  Source: Sanspo 10/12/2012

Chunichi Dragons

Kenshin Kawakami could get the Game 1 start.  Source: Sanspo 10/12/2012

===

Morimichi Takagi had all his Game 1 starting candidates -- Kawakami, Soma Yamauchi, Kenichi Nakata, Shinji Iwata, Masahiro Yamamoto, and Yudai Ono -- do the same kinds of workouts on Thursday.  Source: Sports Hochi 10/12/2012

Yakult Swallows

Kyohei Muranaka could get the Game 1 start for the First Stage of the Climax Series.  Source: Sports Hochi Osaka 10/12/2012

===

Junji Ogawa told reporters on Thursday he was inspired and impressed by Joe Girardi's decision to send a pinch-hitter in for Alex Rodriguez during Game 3 of the Division Series and vowed to be as decisive in similar situations.  Source: Sponichi 10/12/2012

Yomiuri Giants

There is a chance Toshiya Sugiuchi's first post-season start will be pushed back to Game 4 of the Final Stage of the Climax Series because of fatigue.  During workouts on Thursday, he played catch at a maxed out distance of about fifty meters and was not throwing the ball very hard.

Assuming Sugiuchi is not able to make a start until Game 4, the Giants will likely start with Tetsuya Utsumi and Dennis Houlton.  After that they can go with one of the following: Ryosuke Miyaguni, Hirokazu Sawamura, or Yuki Koyama.

Source: Nikkan Sports 10/12/2012

===

Ryota Murata, Olympic gold medalist in boxing, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 1 of the Final Stage of the Climax Series.  Source: Nikkan Sports 10/12/2012