Seibu Lions infielder Alex Cabrera will undergo surgery for a fractured left wrist, meaning he will be sidelined for the upcoming Pacific League playoffs, team officials said Thursday.
Cabrera received the diagnosis at a New York hospital and will have surgery Friday.
The third-place Lions, who will face the Lotte Marines in the best-of-three playoff series starting Oct. 8, will be without one of their key power hitters. Cabrera drove in 92 runs with 36 homers while batting .300 this season.
The 33-year-old Venezuelan tied the single-season record of 55 home runs in 2002.
Ogi to step down
KOBE (Kyodo) Orix Buffaloes manager Akira Ogi said Thursday he will step down from his post with the PL team, citing health problems.
Orix club owner Yoshihiko Miyauchi accepted Ogi's request to resign after the 70-year-old took the helm at the beginning of the season.
Ogi led the new team formed through a merger between Kintetsu and Orix.