Giants Shuffle Infield as Kadowaki Returns to Starting Lineup
So here’s what’s going on with the Yomiuri Giants right now—it’s a bit of a shake-up, but also a moment full of anticipation.
In today’s matchup against the DeNA BayStars at Tokyo Dome, the Giants released their starting lineup, and there are a few names and positions that caught some attention. First, Makoto Kadowaki is back in the starting lineup, batting eighth and playing second base. This is his first start in two games, and the timing is key. Why? Because the regular second baseman, Naoki Yoshikawa, has been sidelined with lower back pain and is now being sent to the farm team for rehab. It’s definitely not an ideal situation, but it gives Kadowaki, who wears number 5, a real opportunity to step up and show what he can bring to the table under pressure.
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The team is clearly adjusting on the fly. Riku Masuda has been moved up to the third spot in the batting order, while Yuta Izumiguchi is being placed seventh. It’s not often you see Masuda that high in the lineup, so the coaches are definitely trying something new here—possibly to boost the middle of the order and create more chances for runs early in the game.
On the mound for the Giants is Foster Griffin, who will be starting the game with catcher Ginjiro Kishida. This battery is expected to work in sync to secure a win, especially with the team relying on a bit of a makeshift infield setup for now.
As for the rest of the Giants’ lineup: leadoff is Maru in right field, followed by Sasaki in center. Cabbage is hitting cleanup in left, Kishida’s behind the plate batting fifth, Richard is at third base in the sixth spot, and again, Izumiguchi at shortstop in seventh. Kadowaki is slotted eighth at second base, and Griffin rounds out the order as the starting pitcher.
On the other side, the BayStars have their own structure with Kuwahara leading off, Kyoda at short, Sano hitting third, and slugger Miyazaki cleaning up at third base. DeNA’s starter on the mound today is Kay.
So with Yoshikawa out, today’s game is not just about the scoreboard—it’s a test of depth and adaptability. All eyes will be on Kadowaki to see if he can anchor second base and help keep the infield solid. The Giants are hoping that these lineup changes will bring some momentum in what’s becoming a crucial stretch of the season.
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