Orix Buffaloes catcher Kenya Wakatsuki (31) envisioned a 'Reset Autumn' on the 9th. Having finished a season where he was in full rotation since the WBC before the opening, he is scheduled to be exempt from the autumn training starting on the 10th for the first time in his 13-year career. 'On the other hand (of being free), it is difficult. I am asking various seniors how they spent their time,' he revealed, noting that he sought advice from Rakuten Eagles' Hikaru Ito, whom he reunited with at the retirement game for Hanshin Tigers' Yuki Nishi held at Koshien on the 7th, and Yoshihisa Hirano, who retired from active duty this season.

Although he kept the details 'secret,' he plans to use them as a reference for his training and rest schedule. Having finished this season with a .221 batting average, he expressed his frustration, saying, 'My hitting wasn't good, and regarding my throwing, I don't know if it was the effect of the WBC ball at first, but my sense for it didn't return at all.' With injuries occurring one after another among the pitcher staff, including aces Miyagi and Yamashita, the team ERA was 3.96, the worst among the 12 teams. Feeling responsibility as a catcher, he intends to broaden his perspective, stating, 'I need to re-watch the games, improve my mental approach, and refresh myself. I want to make next season a good one for both offense and defense.'

On this day, he visited the team facilities in Maishima, Osaka. 'Once I actually start resting, I start getting an itch to play,' he said as he worked up a sweat with a light training menu. Watching the final appearance of his former Orix Buffaloes teammate and senior by five years, Yuki Nishi, he felt deeply moved, saying, 'It really hits me emotionally. I don't know how much longer I can keep going, but I want to be a player with a long career,' renewing his determination. He intends to make this a meaningful recharging period heading into his 14th year. (Shunta Nambu)