This article is part of our Dream11 Fantasy NPB series.
Hiroshima Toyo Carp (24-31-6) at Chunichi Dragons (28-32-4)
Wednesday, September 2nd, 5:00 AM EDT
Projected Starters
Chunichi Dragons: LHP Shinnosuke Ogasawara (1-2, 5.06 ERA)
Hiroshima Toyo Carp: RHP Yusuke Nomura (3-1, 2.09 ERA)
Game Preview
The Dragons have improved after a slow start to the season and right now sit in fourth place of the Central League standings, but they're three games behind and third-placed team, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, and 1.5 games above the fifth-placed franchise, the Carp. This means winning here is pivotal if they want to get closer to a potential playoff berth, even if it might be hard to accomplish that goal. The pitching matchup could give an edge to the Carp, however, as Yusuke Nomura has a 2.09 ERA in six starts. Meanwhile, Shinnosuke Ogasawara has only made three starts and his 5.06 ERA isn't really exciting.
Injuries
Ryosuke Hirata - Out - Elbow
7/23 1:30 AM IST - The Dragons deactivated Hirata on Monday due to a right elbow injury. One of the Dragons' more reliable batsmen over the past couple of seasons, Hirata was dropped from the active roster after struggling early on in the 2020 campaign. Over 73 plate appearances, Hirata was batting just .164. Masataka Iryo is expected to take over as the Dragons' primary option in right field in Hirata's stead.
Shun Ishikawa - Out - Hand
7/22 1:24 AM IST - Ishikawa was removed from the Dragons' active roster ahead of Tuesday's 4-0 loss to the Giants due
