◆Farm League: Seibu Lions vs. Chunichi (13th, Carminique)

Seibu Lions, Yuta Kuroki, and pitcher—who underwent surgery on their right shoulders in February—made their return to competitive play on the 13th in a game against the Farm team Chunichi (Carmineek).

He took the mound as the second pitcher in the 7th inning with a 3-run lead. His fastest fastball reached 149 km/h, and he completely closer the three hitter faced, getting struck out fly out to right field and striking out struck out swinging strikeouts.

After finishing his first appearance of the season, the right-hander wiped the sweat from his brow and said, "First of all, it was good. I was just happy to be able to pitch today, so regardless of the result, I'm glad I was able to return." Last season, he appeared in 29 games, recording 1 win, 1 loss, 3 hold, and ERA 3.38, and he pitched well in any situation, saving the team from trouble many times. The season is now in its middle stages, but he is not in a hurry, saying, "I think promotion will also involve the team's strength. I want to be able to fill in when someone gets tired," and is quietly honing his skills in preparation for his turn to play.

On February 20, Kuroki underwent "right shoulder arthroscopic cleaning surgery" at a hospital in Tokyo with the aim of improving his physical condition, and it was announced that it would take three months before he could return to competitive play.