Xu Ruoxi's first move may lead to changes. SoftBank coach: Will confirm tomorrow

Xu Ruoxi. (File photo, provided by Nishi Nippon Shimbun)

The SoftBank Hawks will play three games in a row against Orix at home at the Fukuoka Dome tomorrow. Xu Ruoxi was originally regarded as a strong candidate to start one of the games. He also participated in the practice of the first team's starting pitchers today. However, according to Japanese media reports, the current situation has changed. Pitching coach Kurano Shinji said: "We will confirm tomorrow."

Xu Ruoxi's last start in the first army was against Yokohama DeNA on June 7, when she surrendered 6 games and lost 2 points, regardless of victory or defeat. Then she made adjustments to the second army. On the 14th, she faced the Hanshin Tigers in the second army. She did not lose points in 3 games as a backup. She was even praised by SoftBank's second army supervisor Saito Kazumi: "No one can beat the second army!"

"West Nippon Shimbun" reported that Xu Ruoxi was originally expected to serve as a starter in the three-game series against Orix starting tomorrow, but there are now variables, saying that he participated in the practice of the starting pitchers. Although he showed up for the gathering, he did not perform the running schedule or passing and catching training on the field, and then returned to the back of the dugout. It is understood that he only trains indoors.

Regarding Xu Ruoxi's condition, Shinji Kurano said: "Because there are some conditions that need to be confirmed, we have to observe again. His condition will be confirmed tomorrow and a decision will be made then." Xu Ruoxi has played 6 games with the first team this season, with 2 wins and 3 losses, and a defensive rating of 4.99.