Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters release three players

The Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters have announced that they will not renew the contracts of pitcher Koki Matsuoka, catcher Yuki Umebayashi, and infielder Ryosuke Akase.

Matsuoka, who previously played for the Seibu Lions, has faced three separate release notices during his career. Despite returning to the active roster earlier this year, he struggled with a 20.25 ERA in two appearances. Umebayashi recorded a .118 batting average across 36 career games, while Akase, a 2023 fourth-round draft pick, did not see any first-team action during his three years with the club.