Orix Buffaloes pitcher Alen Kuri (34) said on the 13th that he would focus on "the power of his fastball" as he prepares for his second appearance in the open season. The right-hander, who is in his second year with the team after transferring from Hiroshima as a free agent, is scheduled to start against Yakult Swallows on the 14th (at Jingu Stadium). "Regarding my fastball, it's not so much about the speed, but rather how hard I can throw it to the plate and how many foul balls I can get," he said, visualizing his approach.

In his previous start on the 7th against The Giants (at Kyocera Dome), he pitched three innings, allowing three hit and no runs, while strike out three. "I need to check whether I can properly control the pitches I throw. I think I'll be able to react to hitter' reactions better than last time, so I'll be checking that as well," he said, indicating his intention to further improve the precision of each of his pitches within the approximately 80 pitches he will throw.

With ace pitchers Miyagi and Soya currently competing in the WBC, the right-hander, along with Yamashita, is a candidate for the opening pitcher. He is highly motivated, saying, "I want to really push myself to the limit."