Hiroshima Carp ace Kenta Maeda, who has been deactivated with an injured right side, has been cleared to return for a game against the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters on Saturday at Sapporo Dome, Carp manager Kenjiro Nomura confirmed Tuesday.
Nomura and pitching coach Yasuyuki Yamauchi said Maeda's current condition presents no obstacles. On Monday, the right-hander threw his first bullpen since sustaining the injury, and he joined the top team for a practice at Mazda Stadium on Tuesday.
"I feel fine," said the 25-year-old Maeda. "I just want to get myself prepared and get in the game."