Japan’s preseason exhibitions, or “open season,” has now closed, and Nippon Professional Baseball’s two major leagues will open for business Friday. But before we get there, there are a few news items worth sharing: a slight injury, a promotion for one new import and demotion and resignation for another.

In another story that has nothing to do with the season, but everything to do with NPB, MLB has ordered its teams to sever all working agreements with the four foreign pro baseball organizations it currently recognizes.

Wada likely to miss Hawks home opener

Forty-two-year-old lefty Tsuyoshi “Bad ass” Wada, may miss the SoftBank Hawks’ home opener on Tuesday with a bad finger.

In a minor league tune-up start at the Hawks’ minor league park, Tamahome Stadium Chikugo against the Hiroshima Carp, Wada was struck by a ball on his left middle finger.