De La Rosa out with oblique strain

The Yomiuri Giants are expected to deactivate Rubby De La Rosa due to a left oblique strain suffered in the ninth inning of Sunday’s 6-4 loss to the Chunichi Dragons the Hochi Shimbun reported Monday.

The 31-year-old right-hander, who joined the club last summer, leads Japan’s Central League with four saves. He left the mound after facing one batter in the ninth. His sixth pitch to Dayan Viciedo ended up in the seats.

The Giants are expected to replace De La Rossa on the roster with Brazilian flame thrower Thyago Vieira.

The show must go on

Despite a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 infections in Japan, Nippon Professional Baseball said Monday it is still planning to admit up to 5,000 fans per game starting Friday and allow crowds of around half-capacity from Aug. 1.

At least they tried

The Hiroshima Carp and Hanshin Tigers were rained out in Hiroshima on Monday. The date was scheduled as a make up game and was activated after Friday’s first game of their series was rained out.