On the 8th, Orix Buffaloes announced that pitcher Ren Mukunoki was diagnosed with influenza at a hospital in Miyazaki after training at their training camp. He will stay in his room at the lodgings for a few days and focus on recovery.

The first-round draft pick in 2021, this right-handed pitcher appeared in 12 games last season. He struggled as a starter, going winless with two losses, but mid-season he requested to be moved to relief pitching, and from September onwards he showed his suitability for the role, recording four hold in six games.