The Japan Olympic baseball team on Friday named Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters right-hander Yu Darvish, Yomiuri Giants right-hander Koji Uehara and Yakult Swallows shortstop Shinya Miyamoto among 39 final candidates for 24 roster spots.
Japan manager Senichi Hoshino kept Uehara, who has pitched in major international events such as the Athens Olympics and the World Baseball Classic, on the roster although he has been sent to Yomiuri's farm team and is recovering from leg problems after a rocky start to the season.
But Chiba Lotte Marines right-hander Hiroyuki Kobayashi, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles left-hander Kohei Hasebe and Chunichi Dragons infielder Masahiko Morino were left off the roster because of disappointing showings this season as Hoshino and coaching staff reduced the team's roster to 39 from 81.