Orix Sho Gibo infielder met for contract renewal negotiations at the players' dormitory in Konohana-ku, Osaka on March 3 and signed for 5 million yen less than his 10 million yen salary for this season (amount is estimated). He said, "I was fighting an injury. I wanted to get better, but most of all, I couldn't do anything to help the team win, so that's what I regret.
Yoshiho joined the team as the fifth pick in the 2018 draft and left-handed hitter played in a total of 158 games over the six years up until 2024. In 2023, he batted .279 in 62 games, contributing to the team's third consecutive league championship. Last season, he played in only 22 games due to a right shoulder injury. This season, he started anew on a development contract and batted .287 in 40 games in the Western League.
It is said that his right shoulder has been painful since March 24, but it has improved by incorporating initial load training and weight training with high weights. "I was finally able to throw with all my might, and I felt a little less strong than I was before throw the injury, so I wanted to show a little more strength," he explained.
In December, he plans to train hard in his hometown of Okinawa as an apprentice to sprinter Yonahara Yoshitaka. Looking ahead to next season, which will be his eighth year as a professional, he said, "I'd like to recover from my injury, become a valuable asset to the team, and most importantly, play while thinking in my own way so that I can contribute to the team's victory. The sooner I can return to the regular team, the better. I want to show from day one that I can do it, whether it's during training camp or exhibition games."
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