Orix Buffaloes pitcher Shumpeita Yamashita (24) began net throwing with training balls at the team's facility in Maishima, Osaka, on the 16th. The 161 km/h right-hander, who is undergoing long-term rehabilitation after undergoing medial collateral ligament reconstruction surgery on his right elbow in the United States in May, carefully threw two sets of 15 plyo balls, which are slightly heavier than standard hardballs. 'Surprisingly, there was no fear, and both my body and elbow are moving smoothly. I've finally reached nearly six months since the surgery, so I feel a sense of accomplishment,' he said with a nod.

From now on, he plans to work on a similar menu at a pace of once every two days, with the prospect of resuming net throwing with a hardball in about four weeks. 'From here on out is definitely the most critical period. If I can go the next ten-plus years without injury thanks to this experience, it will have been a good opportunity. I am currently in the middle of facing my own body and searching for what is right and what is wrong,' he said, looking straight ahead.