On the 29th, at the team's facility in Maishima, Osaka, Orix informed pitcher Yuki Udagawa (26) that he would not be signing a contract with the team for next season. This season, his fifth year with the team, he underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in March and has not pitched in the first team. The team is expected to offer him a development contract.
In a total of 78 games, he has 6 wins, 3 losses, 26 hold 2 saves, and ERA 1.58. The right-handed pitcher, who represented Japan in the 2023 WBC, looked ahead and said, "I've been working hard on rehabilitation this past year, preparing for next year. I'm on a development contract, so (but) I think what I have to do won't change, so I'll just have to do my best."
He has already started playing catch again, and plans to resume throwing in bullpen in November, depending on his condition. "There's no point in just being able to throw. I want to be able to pitch properly by spring (next year)," he said, vowing to make a full recovery.
Atsuya Kogita pitcher (27) and Reiji Higashiyama pitcher (25), who underwent similar surgeries in April and May, respectively, and Kosei Osato infielder (26), who had right shoulder surgery on April 28, are also expected to be approached for developmental contracts next season.
Orix 's Ogita: "No matter how hard I try, all I can do is rehabilitate, so I'm just doing what I have to do and waiting for myself to get into good shape. I'm just going to keep working steadily."
Orix 's Higashiyama: "I'm grateful to the team for allowing me to have surgery despite having no track record, and I need to repay that kindness with solid results."
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