Orix Buffaloes Taisuke Yamaoka pitcher (30) vowed to "throw salvation" to the WBC team on the 24th. The right-hander, who has been reassigned as a starter this season, is scheduled to start in a practice game against the Lotte (SOKKEN) on January 25. In addition to making the opening day rotation, he also set a goal for himself as a senior player.

"I feel a strong need to cover for Miyagi and Soya, so that the team can be in good condition when they return." In a practice match against Samutsayumi (SOKKEN) held on the 18th, he gave up two runs in two innings, but is in the process of getting ready for the season. It will be his first time on a brand new mound in three years, and he was strongly conscious of his starting position, saying, "Of course, I'm going to aim for it. I want to do it with the feeling that I won't give up."

In 2019, he achieved a record of 13 wins and 4 losses, earning him the title of highest winning percentage. In the game against Lotte, which will be around the third inning, he plans to practice his "Machi-Che," a combination of fastball and change-up, as well as cutter. The ideal scenario is for Yamaoka to regain his form and for the absence of the two left-handed pitchers challenging for consecutive world championships to be completely overshadowed. They will fight with fierce determination.