Cuban pitcher Liván Moinelo has been cleared to return to the main roster of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks following a commanding rehabilitation start on Friday, July 31, in the Farm League, as reported by Pelota Cubana USA.
The left-hander from Pinar del Río pitched six innings in SoftBank's 6-3 victory over Orix, conceding just one run and four hits, issuing two walks while striking out six batters. His fastball topped out at a speed of 151 km/h (approximately 93.83 MPH).
After the game, first team manager Hiroki Koku dispelled any uncertainty regarding the pitcher's immediate future: "He will pitch for the main team in his next appearance. However, I'll keep the date under wraps. Moinelo is a positive asset for the second half. If he can help us win, we'll be closer to securing the championship."
Moinelo's performance on July 31 marked his second rehab appearance. His first was on July 23, when he pitched three innings in the same Farm League and declared his condition to be "almost 100%." Prior to that, the pitcher had been sidelined since mid-May due to shoulder discomfort that landed him on the injured list.
The recovery process was gradual: in June, Koku himself had noted that Moinelo's pitching schedule was "nowhere near ready" and that a return before the All-Star break was unlikely. The Friday performance finally convinced the organization that the ace is ready to compete at the highest level.
It is highly anticipated that Moinelo will make his return to the main team during the three-game series against the Seibu Lions starting on August 7. SoftBank leads the Pacific League with a 5.5-game advantage over Seibu, making the lefty's comeback a pivotal moment in the season.
The timing of his return is even more significant considering Moinelo's historic 2025 season, where he posted a 12-3 record, a 1.46 ERA, and 172 strikeouts in 167 innings, earning him the MVP title of the Nippon Professional Baseball League. He became the first Cuban and fourth Latin American to receive this honor in the league's history.
A year earlier, in 2024, the pitcher from San Juan y Martínez had already made history by leading the Pacific League in ERA with a 1.88 mark, being the first Latin American to do so, and also won the NPB Gold Glove Award.
SoftBank eagerly awaits his return as the reinforcement that could tip the scales in the second half of a season where the club is already the frontrunner for the championship.
Liván Moinelo's Impact on SoftBank's Season
What was Liván Moinelo's performance in his rehab start?
Liván Moinelo pitched six innings, allowing one run and four hits, while striking out six and walking two in a 6-3 victory over Orix.
When is Liván Moinelo expected to return to the main team?
Moinelo is anticipated to rejoin the main team during the series against the Seibu Lions, starting on August 7.
Why is Liván Moinelo's return significant for SoftBank?
His return is crucial as it strengthens SoftBank's position in the Pacific League, where they lead with a 5.5-game advantage, enhancing their championship prospects.