Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes pitcher Yuki Udagawa (27) promised on the 28th that he will make a full comeback. He underwent ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery (commonly known as Tommy John surgery) in his right elbow in March 2025, and remained at Maishima in Osaka for this year's February training camp. He has completed 60 pitches in bullpen, and is now looking ahead to live BP (batting practice in a game-like format) in mid-March. The right-hander, who won the World Baseball Classic as a member of the Japanese national team in 2023, envisioned a bright future.

"I want to make them think it was a good thing that I came back. I want to do well in the first team." In bullpen on February 26th, he recorded a speed of 143 km/h. From now on, he plans to shorten the intervals between pitch practice and "throw a small number of pitches with all his might," as he prepares to be a relief pitcher. Yoshida, who underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow around the same time, has already returned to action. "I'm not in a hurry, but it was a good stimulus," he said, indicating his intention to continue.

If all goes well, he is scheduled to return to action in late March. "I will continue to do things at my own pace," he emphasized. He regularly throws a fastball over 150 km/h and a deadly fork. He is steadily moving forward. (Toru Nagata)