A roundup of the latest roster changes and farm team news across the Pacific League.
**Orix Buffaloes**
Miyakuni Ryoku, a 20-year-old pitcher who was promoted from developmental to the active roster on May 5, made his professional debut as a starter against Nippon-Ham on May 8. He allowed two runs on three hits over three innings before being pulled, but manager Kishida Mamoru hinted at another start in the near future. Infielder Yoshihiro Ishibo, 25, returned to the active roster in late April after two years as a developmental player, and since being registered on May 4, he has started three games, recording two hits and two stolen bases while showcasing solid defense.
**SoftBank Hawks**
The Hawks filled their 65th active roster spot by promoting pitcher Daisho Fujiwara, 20, from developmental status. The top candidate for the 66th slot is left-handed developmental pitcher Alexander Armenta, 21, a WBC representative for Mexico. After being sidelined with a right side injury, he returned in a farm game against Orix on May 5, throwing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts and no hits. Pitching coach Shinji Kurano praised him, saying, “It was so good it gave me goosebumps.”
**Seibu Lions**
Lead-off man Masashi Kuwahara, 32, is nearing a return to the first team. Recovering from a left calf strain, he joined the farm team’s full practice on May 9. Kuwahara has previously set a target of returning to game action in mid-May, and if all goes well, he is expected to make his comeback in a farm game against the Giants on May 15 at Karamini Field.
**Nippon-Ham Fighters**
Infielder Ryohei Hosokawa, 24, was promoted to the first team for the first time this season on May 5 and immediately started, notching a hit. The following day, he hit his first home run in three seasons. On the pitching side, Mizuki Hori, 28, made his first-team debut on May 6. In the farm team, Kohei Arihara, 33, who is in the middle of adjustments, started against DeNA on May 5 (Kamagaya), throwing 83 pitches over five innings, allowing three hits and three runs. He struck out five but issued four walks, leaving control as a lingering concern.
**Rakuten Golden Eagles**
Kenta Maeda, 38, was removed from the active roster for the second time this season. In his last start against Nippon-Ham on May 6, he pitched five innings, allowing one run on three hits in a strong effort. However, after suffering a right calf cramp in an April game that forced an early exit and kept him out for about three weeks, the team plans to give him extra rest between starts as he aims for his first win since joining the team. From May 8, pitcher Satoshi Fujii, 29, and draft sixth-round pick Rui Kyutani, 26, were promoted.
**Lotte Marines**
Draft first-round rookie Genki Ishigaki, 18, made his debut at ZOZO Marine Stadium in a farm game against the Giants on May 9. He pitched 2/3 of an inning, allowing one hit, three walks, and one run, but is steadily gaining experience. In the same game, pitcher Jose Castillo, 30, who had been sidelined with a left hamstring strain, returned to the mound, allowing one hit, two walks, and two runs over one inning.
