Tokyo Yakult Swallows remove Ren Sawai from first-team roster

The Tokyo Yakult Swallows have removed Ren Sawai from their first-team roster. The 26-year-old slugger, who was a 2022 third-round draft pick, has struggled to maintain consistency in the top tier this season.

Sawai has posted a batting average of .163 across 19 games this year, including a .158 average in eight games during August. He has notably struggled in scoring positions, recording zero hits in 11 at-bats. Despite these challenges in the first team, he has shown power in the farm league, recording five home runs and a .230 average over 48 games.