Author: Japan Reacts Editorial

Shohei Ohtani returned to the starting lineup as the No. 2 hitter and DH in the September 23 (local time) game against the Padres, coming off a 15-day injured list stint for inflammation in his right biceps. He also took part in the team photo shoot before the game. On 5channel threads, the discussion centered on questions of fact: why he’s back batting second instead of his usual leadoff spot, speculation over whether the injury was really his biceps or actually his knee or neck, and theories that prospect De Paula — who’s being sent down to make room — is being lined up for a postseason-eligibility exception as an injury replacement.

Sponichi

[September 24, 2026, 07:27]

NL Dodgers vs. Padres (September 23, 2026, Los Angeles)

Source: sponichi.co.jp / Original article here

88AnonymousSep 24, 2026 09:31

Might be better if he just went back on the IL again

※This article is excerpted and summarized from the 5channel (Geinou/Sports News+) thread “[NL] Shohei Ohtani Returns to Starting Lineup as ‘2-Hole DH,’ Joins Team Photo Before Game.”

Kōhei Miyadai (31), a University of Tokyo graduate and former professional baseball player, has once again become a hot topic after appearing as a commentator for a Tokyo Big Six University Baseball broadcast. After retiring as a player, Miyadai worked at TMI Associates law firm while attending the University of Tokyo Law School, and announced in November 2025 that he had passed the bar exam. On a 5ch thread, some hailed him as “the ultimate embodiment of a scholar-athlete,” while others debated his limited number of professional pitching appearances and the difficulty of the bar exam, with the discussion expanding into comparisons with lawyers who came from other sports.

From Tokyo University to pro baseball to passing the bar exam on the first try and becoming a lawyer… Kōhei Miyadai’s Big Six baseball commentary appearance sparks reactions: “The ultimate embodiment of a scholar-athlete” / “Hope he becomes a fine lawyer”

▼ “Is this the first time a former pro baseball player has passed the bar exam?”

Reactions are pouring in for Kōhei Miyadai (31), a University of Tokyo graduate and former professional baseball player, who appeared as a commentator during a Tokyo Big Six University Baseball broadcast.

Source: nishispo.nishinippon.co.jp / Read the original article here

*This article is an excerpt and summary based on the 5ch (Geisokuhou+) thread “[BIG6.TV] From Tokyo University to Pro Baseball to Lawyer After Passing the Bar on the First Try — Kōhei Miyadai’s Big Six Baseball Commentary Sparks Reactions: “The Ultimate Embodiment of a Scholar-Athlete”.”

Sponichi is reporting that Nippon-Ham Fighters manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo has essentially been confirmed to remain at the helm next season. Though his team missed out on the league pennant in his fifth year in charge, it has already locked in a third straight top-three (“A-class”) finish. Shinjo, who has worked on year-to-year contracts since taking the job, is set to enter his sixth season — second only to Hideki Kuriyama’s tenure since the team’s move to Hokkaido. On 5ch, threads mixed frustration over the team’s continued failure to win the pennant amid SoftBank’s golden era with praise for Shinjo’s record on attendance and player development, producing a blend of support for his return and complaints about the team’s defense and in-game management.

Sponichi [Sept 24, 2026, 1:30 AM]

It emerged on the 23rd that Nippon-Ham Fighters manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo (54) will continue in the role next season, with an official announcement from Shinjo himself expected soon. His fifth year in charge fell short of the league pennant, but a third consecutive top-three finish has already been secured. The club quietly approached him about staying on, and Shinjo has made up his mind to continue. He will enter his sixth season — second in tenure only to Chief Baseball Officer Hideki Kuriyama (65), who managed the team for a franchise-record 10 years through 2021 since the move to Hokkaido — as he chases the championship that has eluded him.

Tabbed as the preseason favorite to win it all, the team once again fell short of the pennant that has long eluded it. But Tsuyoshi Shinjo’s challenge isn’t over. The manager, who has signed one-year contracts every season since taking the job, has decided to return for a sixth season regardless of how October’s postseason plays out.

Source: sponichi.co.jp / Original article here

*This article is compiled and summarized from the 5ch (Geinou/Sports Sokuhou+) thread “Nippon-Ham Manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo to Continue Next Season — Praise for Balancing “Wins and Development,” Announcement Expected Soon.”