On the 18th, Orix Buffaloes announced that catcher Yuma Tongu (29) underwent an examination at a hospital in Kobe on the 17th and was diagnosed with a torn posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. He hit the team's first home run to the left field pole in the Reds vs. Whites game on the 11th, but sustained the injury while rounding first base. He left their training camp in Miyazaki on the 13th and returned to Osaka.

Last season, he led the team with 54 RBI. He also injured the same area in 2021, and if he is forced to take a long-term leave, it will be a major blow to the team.

Manager Kishida explained, "It's something he's been doing for a while, so it feels like it's coming back. We've decided to increase the intensity of his training based on the pain. We'll have to monitor his condition (to see if he'll be able to return in time for the opening game)." Right-handed pitcher Kosuke Kawachi (20), who is in the development team, was also diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee at a hospital in Kobe on the 17th. He is scheduled to undergo surgery in the near future.