Orix Buffaloes announced that they have re-signed pitcher Yuki Udagawa as a development player. This season, his fifth year as a pro, he was forced to no-throw training since late February during the Miyazaki training camp due to an injury to his right elbow, and in March he underwent medial collateral ligament reconstruction surgery (commonly known as Tommy John surgery). He finished the season without making an appearance in either the first or second varsity teams, and in October he was informed that he would not be signing a contract with the team for next season. number will change from 14 to 121.
Udagawa negotiated his contract at the team's facility in Maishima, Osaka, and signed for 28 million yen, a decrease of 9 million yen. He summarized this season, in which he worked silently on rehabilitation, saying, "It's been a long season, but I've been doing it all with the thought of next year in mind." Regarding the condition of his right elbow, he explained, "It's really good right now. I can throw long distances, and I can increase my power even when throwing short distances."
In a total of 78 games, he has 6 wins, 3 losses, 26 hold, 2 saves, ERA 1.58. The right-handed pitcher for Japan's 2023 WBC team declared his full recovery, saying, "I haven't been able to see myself pitching in the first team much recently. Next season is in the development team, so I would like to work hard so that I can return to the regular team and do well. I hope to be able to see a lot of people pitch in the first team after I return next year."
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・ [Orix Buffaloes] Yuki Udagawa who underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, will not sign a contract with the team for next season, saying, "I want to be able to pitch my own way in the spring."
・ [Orix Buffaloes] Yuki Udagawa, Atsuya Kogita, Reiji Higashiyama, and Kosei Osato have been released from the team... All of them will likely be offered development contracts.
・ [Orix Buffaloes] Yuki Udagawa undergoes Tommy John surgery on his right elbow...Following Kosei Yoshida, the strong arm is expected to make a full recovery by next season
