Fukuoka Softbank Hawks rookie Kodai Senga has been diagnosed with a muscle strain that will sideline him for several weeks, the Pacific League club said Friday.
Senga, who took part in this summer's All-Star series, was the fifth of 10 Hawks pitchers used in Wednesday's game against the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters. He faced just one batter before leaving the game with pain in his left side. Examinations revealed the 20-year-old had suffered a strain in his left oblique muscle.
Senga has pitched in 51 games for the Hawks this season. The righty has 85 strikeouts in 56 1/3 innings. He is 1-4 with one save, 17 holds and a 2.95 ERA.
The Hawks are currently in third place in a crowded race for the postseason.