Orix Buffaloes manager Mamoru Kishida (44) issued a "breakthrough command" to the middle infield duo of Ota and Kurebayashi on the 5th. In 2025, Ota, born in 2001, cleared the required number of plate appearances for the first time in his career, while Kurebayashi, born in 2002, cleared it for the fifth consecutive year. "These young players who were our team's hopes have developed their skills and are now at the point where they can become indispensable. They can do even better," he passionately urged.

In his first year in charge, one of his themes was "reviving the core players from when the team won three consecutive championships (2021-2023)." He patiently used his home-grown center fielders. Sugimoto, who cleared the required number of at-bats for the first time in four years, hit a team-high 16 Home Run, while Nakagawa had a batting average of .284, third in the league, and Tonmiya also achieved a career-high 54 RBI, achieving some solid results.

However, what is necessary to rise from third place to win is intensified internal competition. Coach Kishida intends to ignite all positions, saying, "This is the year we really need to compete. The generational change will come through competition." Everyone will become a real asset, with Ota and Kurebayashi sitting at the center. He will look at these rising stars born in the 21st century with a warm yet critical eye. (Nambu Shunta)

0...Higashi, who underwent right elbow cleaning surgery in November, resumed catch playing ball on Maishima, Osaka, carefully checking his form over a distance of about 15 meters. I'm not sure how long it's been since I've seen you. I'm going to start from now on. The team plans to gradually increase the distance and, if all goes well, resume bullpen pitch play in the middle of the Miyazaki camp in February. He has not been very good in the past two years," he said. I hope to make up for it this year," he vowed.