On the 22nd, Orix Buffaloes pitcher Kosei Yoshida revealed that he had his first haircut in about a year. He underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in March 2013, and during his rehabilitation period, he made it a "personal rule" to not cut his hair except for the shaved side. "I'm not good at sticking to something consistent, so I thought I might try to train my perseverance... (laughs). (The length) will also be an indicator of my rehabilitation. It got down to around here (under my nose), so I really thought 'I'm getting close to returning,'" he said, explaining why he had the scissors cut "early."

"I'm close to returning to actual matches. I'm really nearing the end of my rehabilitation, so I'm pumped. This is just a light, personal event."

From December 25 to this month, he worked independent training at Kanoya University of Physical Education, and from this day on, he adjusted at the team facilities in Maishima, Osaka. During the period, he performed 5~6 bullpen pitch, and his ball speed was already measured at more than 140 km. "I want to go home with a faster ball speed," he said, "I want to update my personal fastest speed of 152 km." I don't know how many games I can throw throughout the year, but I want to go (from the opening)," he said, setting a goal and first looking forward to returning to the actual game during the Miyazaki camp.