Orix Buffaloes pitcher Ryuhei Sotani (25) took a step toward a major comeback on the 3rd. After undergoing left elbow medial collateral ligament reconstruction (Tommy John surgery) on October 23, he began rehabilitation at the club's facilities in Maishima, Osaka, starting today. He focused on strengthening his lower body using his own body weight and looked toward the future with a bright expression.

"I feel like I'm being reborn from this point on. Personally, I'm only looking forward." A return during the next season is extremely unlikely, and he has decided to make a fresh start as a developmental player. The left-hander, who joined the team as a first-round draft pick in 2022 and experienced the WBC as a member of Samurai Japan this March, showed no hesitation despite the change in circumstances. "By the time spring training comes around in two years, I will have myself in a condition where I can prove myself more than anyone else," he said with conviction.

It was the first time he had ever gone under the knife. The day after the surgery, a passionate message arrived: 'Let's become the best in Japan the year after next!' It was from Yamashita, who is currently sidelined long-term after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in May. His father, Hirokazu, 53, who visited him in his hospital room, handed him a small frog keychain. It carried the meaning of 'returning' to the field. 'I don't have a single negative thought; I'm only thinking about making a comeback,' he said. He is still only 25 years old. He moves forward, strong and resilient. (Toru Osada)