On March 6, 2025, Nippon-Ham's outfielder Franmil Reyes reassured fans after undergoing medical evaluation following his injury during the open game against Seibu on March 5. Reyes sustained the injury when he was hit by a fastball near his right hand, resulting in considerable concern about the status of one of Nippon-Ham's key players.
During the game at Escon Field, with two outs remaining in the eighth inning, Reyes was caught off guard by a 149-kilometer-per-hour pitch from Kuromaki, who had played for Nippon-Ham until the previous season. The impact left Reyes grimacing in pain, prompting immediate substitution for pinch runner as he was unable to continue. "He felt a jolt, and he seems to have some grip strength issues," reported Shinjo, who was visibly concerned for his player's well-being.
The following day, manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo confirmed, "He went to the hospital, and there were no abnormalities in his bones. He should be able to return to the game in about 3 days." The diagnosis offered hope to both Reyes and his teammates, who were worried he might miss several games due to the injury.
Reyes, age 29, participated actively during practice on the same day, displaying energy and determination as he trained on the field. Despite the mishap, his spirit appeared intact, demonstrating his commitment to bounce back following the unfortunate event. Fans of Nippon-Ham, along with the coaching staff, expressed relief at the diagnosis and looked forward to his return.
The Nippon-Ham team’s lineup for the second open game has been released, with pitcher Yamazaki registering as the 3rd designated hitter to fill the gap left by Reyes. Yamazaki, drafted first by Orix back in 2014, has transitioned to Nippon-Ham and has performed commendably over the past season.
During the previous match against Seibu, Yamazaki pitched from the sixth inning. He managed to successfully navigate through three innings with three hits allowed but fascinatingly struck out one opponent with no runs being scored against him. His solid performance adds depth to the Nippon-Ham’s roster as they strategize for future games.
Yamazaki’s overall record stands at 49 wins to 51 losses across 200 official games, indicating his substantial experience on the mound. Notably, as a batter, his results boast of 28 hits from 29 at-bats this season, translating to a batting average of .250 with two RBIs—adding versatility as he engages more frequently at the plate.
Reyes’ absence from the lineup is noteworthy, especially considering he hit 25 home runs last season. His performance last year was integral to Nippon-Ham’s dynamic on the field. Team strategists and fans alike are hopeful for his swift recovery and speedy return to competitive gameplay.
Meanwhile, Reyes took to Instagram on the morning of March 6, sharing beautiful photographs of Hokkaido's snowy landscapes with the caption "Buenos dias", keeping spirits high among his followers and fans. He refrained from disclosing specific details about his injury but participating actively on social media exhibits his optimism.
Because of Reyes' contributions to Nippon-Ham, this injury raised significant concerns. Manager Shinjo emphasized how beneficial it would be if there was immediate X-ray capability at Escon Field to expedite examinations. His remarks showcased the need for efficient health measures physically and, emotionally, for players, coaches, and fans alike considered the well-being of their key players, which impacts the morale and performance of the entire team.
Although the manager expressed apprehension during press interactions after the game, the news of Reyes' condition is promising. Fans can take solace knowing he will not be out of the game long, as Shinjo provided this comforting news mere days after Reyes was taken out midway through the match. This situation serves as another reminder of how quickly things can change during the intense season.
Nippon-Ham continues to focus on their upcoming games, preparing their strategy without Reyes temporarily on the field. They aim to build cohesion across their lineup, mitigating the potential impact of his absence and channeling their focus on their next opponent.
With Reyes likely to return soon, expectations remain high, and spirits haven't diminished. The vibrant atmosphere surrounding Nippon-Ham encourages not only the players but the fans, invigorated at the prospect of seeing Reyes back to full strength. A thrilling season lies ahead, laden with competitive challenges and opportunities for both Reyes and his teammates.