Kaito Kozono Replaced After Defensive Mistakes as Carp Fans Voice Concern

Hiroshima Carp infielder Kaito Kozono was removed from Sunday's game against the Hanshin Tigers after making consecutive defensive mistakes in the ninth inning, prompting considerable discussion among Carp fans.

Kozono started the game at shortstop and hit leadoff as Hiroshima hosted Hanshin at Mazda Stadium on August 16.

The Carp entered the ninth inning trailing 1–6 before the defensive problems further opened the game.

With no outs and a runner on first, Kozono struggled to handle a ground ball from Hanshin's Takumu Nakano and was unable to complete a potential double play.

Later in the inning, with runners on first and second, Teruaki Sato hit a ground ball toward the second-base area. Kozono covered first base for the potential double play but threw the ball away.

The error allowed another run to score.

When Hiroshima came to bat in the bottom of the ninth, Kozono's spot was due to lead off. However, the Carp sent a pinch-hitter to the plate instead.

Manager Takahiro Arai explained the decision after the game, saying that many fans had come to watch the game.

The move quickly became a major topic of discussion among Hiroshima supporters online.

Some fans defended Kozono, arguing that the mistakes did not necessarily constitute a lack of effort and that he should have been given an opportunity to make up for the defensive errors at the plate.

Others expressed more serious concerns about his current condition.

Some questioned whether Kozono might be physically exhausted, while others wondered whether he was having difficulty concentrating on baseball. There were also comments suggesting that his throwing error appeared similar to the yips, although such speculation cannot establish a medical or technical diagnosis.

The criticism comes amid a difficult season for both Kozono and the Carp.

Hiroshima remained in last place in the Central League following Sunday's loss. The team has struggled significantly at the plate, ranking last in the league with a .226 team batting average and 301 runs scored.

The Carp's record had fallen to 18 games below .500, although they remained just one game behind fifth-place Chunichi.

For Kozono, the immediate challenge will be to regain his defensive stability while continuing to contribute offensively. As one of Hiroshima's key young position players, his form could have a significant impact on the team's ability to recover during the final stretch of the season.

The reaction from fans also illustrates the difficult position the Carp currently find themselves in: with the team struggling to score runs and climb the standings, defensive mistakes from core players are drawing considerably more scrutiny.