Yomiuri Giants closer Marc Kroon, who has been sidelined with an injured left hamstring, appears likely to rejoin the top team on Tuesday, club sources said Monday.
Kroon played in a farm league game on Monday and retired three in a scoreless seventh inning. His fastball was lacking its normal velocity but the 37-year-old right-hander said he was on track to regaining his form.
Yomiuri pitching coach Masaki Saito said he hopes Kroon can be reactivated on Wednesday.
"We'll take a look at how he's doing tomorrow and get a report. If possible, we'll get him activated from the 11th (Wednesday). There's a big difference between having him and not having him," Saito said.
Kroon is 3-2 with 16 saves and a 4.45 ERA in 32 games this season.