On Friday, July 31, the Pinar del Río native earned the win in SoftBank’s 6-3 victory over Orix in the minor leagues. He pitched six innings, allowing four hits and one run while issuing two walks and striking out six batters. His maximum velocity was 151 km/h (approximately 93.83 mph).
After the game, first-team manager Hiroki Kokubo confirmed that Moinelo is ready to return: “He will pitch for the first team in his next outing. However, I will keep the date a secret. Moinelo is a positive factor for the second half. If he can contribute to victories, we will be closer to winning the championship.”
He is considered very likely to return for the three-game series against the Seibu Lions beginning August 7. Moinelo experienced discomfort in his left shoulder in May and did not return to action until July 23, when he made a start in the farm league. Great news for SoftBank, which is getting one of its most important players back for the second half of the season.