The Orix Buffaloes announced on the 26th that they have notified pitcher Atsuya Fujikawa (19) that they will not be renewing his contract as a rostered player for the next season.

He joined the Orix Buffaloes as a first-round draft pick in 2025 from Nobeoka Gakuen in Miyazaki. In his first season out of high school, he made his debut on May 3rd in a farm league game against Lotte at Sugimoto Shoji BS. He delivered a perfect performance in the league, pitching a total of 10 innings with zero runs across four games. However, following his last appearance in a farm league game against the Hanshin Tigers on June 19th at Sugimoto Shoji BS, he developed right elbow discomfort and has been away from live game action.

After that, he continued a no-throw adjustment program, but his condition did not improve. In August, he underwent medial collateral ligament reconstruction of the right elbow (commonly known as Tommy John surgery), and he is currently spending his days focusing on rehabilitation based in Maishima, Osaka.

A right-handed pitcher with a maximum speed of 153 km/h, expected to be a future ace candidate. It is anticipated that he will be offered a developmental contract for next season. His rehabilitation is progressing smoothly, and he is scheduled to resume throwing in December. He stated, 'General Manager Fukura told me that since I will be playing for more than 10 years to come, he wants me to work hard as preparation for that. What I need to do hasn't changed, so I want to be able to pitch properly next year. I will do my rehab and aim to return to the active roster,' setting his sights on returning to actual game action in the Phoenix League next October.