Orix Buffaloes Seiryu Kotajima pitcher Seiryu Furutajima (26) is expected to return to action in the warm-up match against the Czech Republic national team for the World Baseball Classic on the 3rd (Sunmarine). He underwent right elbow cleaning surgery in September 2013, and has been training with the remaining team at Maishima in Osaka since February 1st. He joined the Miyazaki training camp on the 21st, and recorded a top speed of 146 km/h during live batting practice (batting practice in a real game) on the 26th.

In 2012, he played an active role as a relief pitcher, becoming the second rookie in history (first in Pacific League) to pitch in over 50 games and have ERA ERA 0.79 in 50 games). "I'm aiming to play in the opening game, but I'm just thinking, 'Maybe it'll be good if it happens...' Because of my personality, I can't help but get carried away. I'll just have to calm myself down and go for it." The hot-blooded right-hander, who stepped up in a pinch and attracted the attention of fans with his championship-caliber fist pump, is making a fresh start.