Family was the dominant theme in NPB last week.
The Japanese baseball world received some stunning news on Thursday, when it was revealed Yomiuri Giants infielder Justin Smoak was leaving the team, and Japan, in order to be with his family.
Smoak, who was in his first NPB season, has been separated from his family, who are in the U.S., since arriving in Japan in April due to the ongoing travel restrictions in place because of COVID-19.
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