The Hiroshima Carp deactivated closer Kam Mickolio on Saturday due to a left hip injury that will keep him out of the first stage of the Central League's playoffs.
The 30-year-old Mickolio complained of groin pain during Wedneday's 4-2 loss to the Hanshin Tigers and was examined on Friday and told he had suffered damage that will require five days of rest and further treatment.
The 205-cm right-hander has pitched in 51 games this season with a 2.45 ERA over 47-2/3 innings with one win, one loss and 25 saves.
The Carp will host the Yomiuri Giants on Sunday. A tie or a win will see Hiroshima finish second and host the best-of-three Climax Series first stage at Mazda Stadium against the Hanshin Tigers. A loss would see the Tigers host the series at Koshien Stadium.