SoftBank Hawks’ recent results and upcoming schedule are highlighted by the potential debut of 20-year-old pitcher Daisho Fujiwara, who was promoted from the developmental squad. If he wins his first start against the Seibu Lions on May 13 at Mizuho PayPay Dome, he will become only the third player in club history to achieve a win in his first professional start after being drafted from the developmental system, following Kotaro Otake (now with Hanshin) and Jun Maeda (2024).
Last week’s MVP was infielder Ryoya Kurihara, who batted fourth in five of six games. Despite a 10-run deficit against Seibu on May 4, Kurihara hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning. On May 8 against Lotte, his ninth solo homer in the ninth inning sparked a walk-off win, and on May 10, he hit a decisive 10th solo home run. All three homers were clutch, tying him for the league lead.
This week’s spotlight is on right-handed pitcher Daisho Fujiwara, a third-year high school graduate who was added to the active roster on May 8. The 20-year-old, who can throw up to 156 km/h, is scheduled for his professional debut. “I want to become the ace of the Hawks,” he said, making his debut one to watch.
In roster and farm team news, Fujiwara’s promotion fills one of 65 active roster spots. The top candidate for the 66th spot is Mexican left-handed pitcher Alexander Armenta, a WBC representative for Mexico, who has been recovering from a right side injury. He pitched effectively in a recent second-team game against Orix, throwing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Pitching coach Nobotsugu Kurano praised him, saying, “It gave me goosebumps, it was that good.”
For promotional information, the May 12 and 13 games against Seibu will be the season’s first Roof Open Days, with the dome roof open for the games. Fans can enjoy the sunset before nightfall and the evening breeze. The roof will begin closing after the top of the sixth inning. Additionally, these two days will feature “Vendor Days,” with a competition among vendors selling beer, sour drinks, highballs, soft drinks, and ice cream for the most cups sold.
