◆Exhibition game Orix Buffaloes 2-6 Hanshin Tigers (March 20, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Shumpeita Yamashita will be sidelined due to a right elbow injury. He will miss today's game against Hanshin Tigers (Kyocera Dome Osaka). The previous day, the 19th, he was working on strengthening his muscles at the team's facility in Maishima, Osaka. In his sixth professional season this year, he overcame a lower back injury that occurred in 2013 due to his growth process, which limited him to only four appearances. He had shown good form since the Miyazaki training camp in February and had even pitched in two exhibition games. He was also considered a candidate for the opening day pitcher, but his chances of joining the starting rotation have now disappeared. With the long season ahead in mind, the 161 km/h right-hander will be taking extra care to ensure he is in top condition.