Yakult Swallows right-hander Shohei Tateyama was diagnosed with damaged ligaments in his right elbow Friday and will be out of action for at least four weeks, officials of the Central League club said.
Tateyema, who injured the elbow of his throwing arm during practice earlier this week, underwent medical tests at a hospital in Gunma Prefecture the same day and was told by doctors to refrain from pitching for the next month.
At this point, the 22-year-old has no plans to undergo surgery but will spend the remainder of the preseason with the minor league squad in Miyazaki. He will most likely miss the April 2 season opener against the Yokohama BayStars.