Orix Buffaloes pitcher Kosei Yoshida (25) revealed his determination on the 16th to challenge a starting role for the first time in five years. In his eighth professional season this year, he returned from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow performed in March 2025, appearing in 26 games all as a reliever. 'I want to work hard with motivation,' he said, looking ahead to competing as a starter for the first time since 2022 during his time with Nippon-Ham.

In the Phoenix League starting on the 7th, he made two starts and pitched five full innings in both. 'I actually got more velocity when I focused on throwing at about 80% effort. It was surprising,' he said, clocking a season-best 152 km/h. Moving forward, he plans to undergo a one-month no-throw adjustment period before focusing on post-operative care and strength training. He intends to push himself with the ultimate goal of exceeding an average fastball speed of 150 km/h.

From this day, he joined the autumn practice in Maishima, Osaka. Manager Kishida expressed his expectations for him to join the starting rotation next season, saying, 'He was pitching well in the Phoenix League. I am looking forward to it.' His ideal style is a pitch that freely controls speed by adding a curveball to the splitter and change-up he refined as a reliever. He already has an image of himself shining in this new role. (Shunta Nambu)