Japanese baseball officials announced Wednesday a provisional 24-man squad for this summer's Athens Olympics.
Seibu Lions pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka and Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes infielder Norihiro Nakamura -- who both played for Japan at the Sydney Olympics -- were among the players named.
A formal announcement on the roster will be made Friday.
Joining Matsuzaka and Nakamura are Yomiuri Giants pitcher Koji Uehara, Fukuoka Daiei Hawks catcher Kenji Jojima and Buffaloes pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma, who has a perfect 11-0 record this season.