Seibu Lions closer Kiyoshi Toyoda, who is training in the minor leagues after being removed from the roster with a lower back pain, is not expected back on the top team until August, Seibu pitching coach Daisuke Araki said Monday.
"We're not planning on having him back this month. I'm worried about having him return too fast, getting injured again and ending up missing games in August," said Araki.
The 33-year-old right-hander was replaced by Daiei Hawks pitcher Nagisa Arakaki in the recent All-Star games despite being the top pick among Pacific League closers in fan balloting.
He is 3-0 with eight saves in 21 games so far for the Lions, who entered the All-Star break at the top of the PL standings.