◆Exhibition game Orix Buffaloes 3-2 Hiroshima (March 18, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes manager Mamoru Kishida responded after the game, announcing that pitcher Hiroya Miyagi and Ryuhei Sotani pitcher who had participated in the WBC, would pitch in the game against Hanshin Tigers Tigers on the 21st (at Kyocera Dome). "They are both scheduled to pitch on the 21st," he stated. He also revealed that catcher Kenya Wakatsuki would be playing in that game. Wakatsuki joined the first team from that day and participated in pre-game practice. Miyagi and Soya worked out for two consecutive days at the team's facilities in Maishima, Osaka, and also played catch.

The manager chuckled as he wondered whether the two left-handed pitchers would make the opening day rotation. He didn't seem worried, but added, "They say their bodies are fine. It's just that they haven't been able to pitch. Especially Soya." Both pitched reliever during the WBC. Miyagi's last mound was against the Czech Republic on the 10th, and Soya's was against Taiwan on the 6th, so the decision will be made carefully.