Hiroshima Carp closer Shota Nakazaki and Fukuoka Softbank Hawks outfielder Yuki Yanagita pulled out of Japan's friendlies against Mexico and the Netherlands due to injuries, the national team said Monday.
Nakazaki is suffering from pain in his right hip and groin, while Yanagita has an inflamed right elbow. The two have been replaced by their teammates, Daichi Osera of the Carp and Akira Nakamura of the Hawks.
Japan plays Mexico on Nov. 10 and 11, and the Netherlands on the 12th and 13th. All four games are at Tokyo Dome.