Chiba Lotte Marines right-hander Shunsuke Watanabe was removed from the active roster Monday after complaining of discomfort in his right elbow, team officials said.

An official of the Pacific League club said Watanabe, who is tied for the league lead with nine wins (one loss) this season, will receive treatment to reduce swelling in his elbow while he travels with the team.

Watanabe won five straight decisions from Opening Day until the start of interleague play and went 4-1 with a 1.73 ERA to lead the Marines to first place in the interleague standings.