Sat Jun 28 05:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:

**Headline: NPB, Players Association Reach Agreements on WBC Roster Rules, Consider Bereavement Leave**

**Tokyo, Japan** – The Japanese Professional Baseball Players Association (JPBPA) and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) held a meeting on July 27th, resulting in agreements on special roster rules for players participating in the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC). Players who experience delayed starts to the season due to WBC participation will have those days counted towards their Free Agency (FA) eligibility, provided pitchers are registered within 30 days and fielders within 14 days of the season’s start.

The NPB also responded positively to a proposal to introduce a “bereavement leave” that would allow players to temporarily leave the active roster for childbirth, funerals, or weddings and return quickly. JPBPA Secretary-General Tadahito Mori expressed optimism, stating that a formal system would make it easier for players. This consideration comes amidst recent attention surrounding Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s use of the MLB’s “Paternity List.”

Additionally, NPB officials informed the JPBPA about the planned restructuring of the minor league system into a three-region league starting next season. Mori confirmed that the number of games would not be reduced. The aim of the restructuring is to promote baseball and address issues related to travel costs under the current two-league system. Final details will be discussed at a committee meeting on August 7th, with approval expected at an owners’ meeting on August 14th, paving the way for the change to be implemented next season.

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