Wladimir Balentien added to NPB roster of Yakult Swallows

Wladimir Balentien, the NPB homerun record holder from Curacao, has been placed on the NPB roster of the Yakult Swallows.
After surgery to his Achilles tendon, Balentien went a relatively long way to recovery. Last week he played two rehab games with the Ni-Gun team of the Yakult Swallows with mixed results.
Last Wednesday Balentien went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts. In his first rehab game on Saturday April 18, he went 1 for 2 with a walk. But the most important thing is that he is pain free.

It remains to be seen if Balentien will see action today in the Tokyo derby vs the Yomiuri Giants. The upcoming games are about the lead in the Central League. Both teams are on top with a .591 record. For the first time in years, the Yakult Swallows are at the top of the standings.

How about a Swallows vs Hawks Nippon Series? Balentien vs Rick van den Hurk.

UPDATE

In the game vs the Giants, Balentien played left field. He got on base once due to a walk and scored one run. Later in the game Balentien left with discomfort in his left hamstring.

The Swallows won 3-2.