Yakult Swallows catcher Atsuya Furuta has been put on the roster for Friday's season opener against the Hiroshima Carp despite breaking his right ring finger in a recent preseason game, club officials said Tuesday.
Manager Tsutomu Wakamatsu said the decision to put the 37-year-old on the roster came following talks with Furuta and his trainers.
"I heaved a sigh of relief because his presence or absence will make a big difference (for the team)," Wakamatsu said. "If he can get rid of the pain, he can be in the starting lineup but if the pain remains, he can still pinch-hit when such an occasion arises."