Orix Buffaloes pitcher Ryuhei Sotani is continuing his rehabilitation with a bright expression, aiming for a comeback from Tommy John (TJ) surgery.

"I have absolutely no regrets about having the surgery. In my mind, I feel that because I had the Tommy John surgery, I can now lead a baseball career where I don't have to worry about anything anymore." In the team facilities at Maishima, Osaka, Soya looked straight ahead.

Born in Ikaruga Town, Nara Prefecture. He joined the Orix Buffaloes as the first-round draft pick in 2022 after attending Meio High School (Akita) and Hakuoh University. He baffles hitters with a fastball reaching nearly 150 km/h delivered from his left arm and a slider with sharp movement like a roller coaster, appearing in 10 games including 7 starts in his first year. He recorded 7 wins in his second year, and in his third year, he appeared in 21 games, recording a career-high 8 wins (8 losses).

In his fourth season this year, he was selected for Samurai JAPAN and participated in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) before the season, making his first appearance in the game against Taiwan where he contributed to the team's win by retiring three batters in one inning. However, he suffered from elbow pain during the season. He complained of discomfort in his elbow during the game against Yakult on June 10, and although he returned to the lineup for the game against Lotte on August 8, he had to make an emergency exit from the mound during the game against the Softbank Hawks on September 17. He finished with 5 wins and 8 losses in 14 games and underwent TJ surgery on October 23. With pitcher Shumpeita Yamashita leaving the lineup before the opening and pitcher Hiroya Miyagi leaving after the season started to both undergo TJ surgery, he likely pushed himself repeatedly until he could recover to full strength amidst the difficult pitching situation. His strong self-awareness and sense of responsibility as a mainstay pitcher were the driving forces that got him onto the mound, but the price he paid was also significant.

"I thought I would experience this eventually, but when it came down to the decision made by myself and the doctor, I only thought about the future, so I was able to accept it. I have nothing but an image of rising up." He has no regrets about the arm he swung for the team's win.

One of the people supporting Soya is Koki Yamaguchi, a Lotte slugger and former classmate from their time at Meio High School. During their high school days, they led the team to Koshien together, with Yamaguchi serving as the right-handed ace. Despite being rivals, they are close allies to the point that Yamaguchi names Soya as his 'closest teammate.' Koki Yamaguchi joined Lotte as a fourth-round draft pick in 2018. Focusing on being a hitter, he emerged as a standout by hitting three Home Run in a single game during his fourth year and occupied the 'number four' spot in the 2024 opening game. This season, he hit 38 Home Run and was selected as the 'number four' hitter for Samurai Japan, recording a hit as the 'number four' hitter in a practice game against Hiroshima and in the opening game against Taiwan in the 'Raxus Asia Professional baseball Championship 2026.'

He mentioned that he learned something from Yamaguchi of Samurai Japan. 'I was watching the exhibition games, and he was so composed. You could see it in his facial expressions and his demeanor through the TV screen. Good players have this aura of "look at me."' Reflecting on himself, he said, 'When I checked the footage, I saw myself pitching quite anxiously this year. There were times I was holding back. I realized that was what I was lacking. Come to think of it, back in university, I used to pitch with that kind of confidence because of the draft.' The anxiety about his elbow likely showed on his face as well. Through the television, he learned the importance of a 'fighting heart' from Yamaguchi, a peer with whom he had once improved through friendly competition. Because he is currently unable to pitch, he was able to truly engrave this lesson into his heart.

The other factor is the presence of his wife. She is from Nara Prefecture and is the same age as him. They announced their marriage in December 2025. Describing her as 'a sun-like person who always supported me brightly even when results weren't coming,' she also encouraged his decision to undergo Tommy John surgery, saying, 'I'll support you through this together, so don't worry.' Soya remarked, 'I'm glad to have someone by my side through both words and actions. I want to show her a winning performance as soon as possible. I intend to work even harder for my wife.' He says his current joy is eating meals. 'Everything she makes is delicious. It's all so good that I can't pick a favorite,' Soya said.

His return is set for the season two years from now. 'I want to work on Beginning Movement Load Training to strengthen my core and also expand my range of motion. I want to try things I haven't done before. I'll take it one step at a time. I want to be able to head into spring training in two years with a clear mind and no anxieties,' he said. He intends to return to the lineup with a renewed body and spirit.

Interview and text by Masaki Kitano