Orix Buffaloes catcher Yuma Tongu (29) showed his determination for a comeback on the 4th by expressing his intent to relinquish his registration status. The 2023 leading hitter has been registered as a catcher since 2020, his second professional year, though he has primarily played first base in recent years. After undergoing surgery for a right knee medial meniscus reconstruction in July of this year, he has developed the resolve to start over from scratch.

"I have no particular preference regarding my registration status, and I intend to leave it up to the club." He is currently undergoing long-term rehabilitation following a major surgery unprecedented in professional baseball. Having solidified his intention to start over as a developmental player next season, he expressed his gratitude, saying, "Just being able to remain a player is something I am thankful for and makes me happy."

His post-operative progress is excellent, so much so that his attending physician was wide-eyed, calling the bone healing 'phenomenal.' Mune, who was also born in 1996, has declared free agency, and Nakagawa, a fellow 1996-born player from the same 2018 draft class, has also solidified his intention to exercise his domestic free agency rights. 'I want to continue doing the steady work while also cherishing the small, visible joys,' said the slugger, looking only forward. The accumulation of steps taken one by one will become his strength. (Toru Osada)