Orix Buffaloes Manager Mamoru Kishida (44) announced that he will entrust Hiroya Miyagi pitcher (24) to start the season-opening Rakuten Eagles game (Kyocera D) on March 27, his third major role in three consecutive years since 2012. After the Hanshin Tigers game that day, the manager strongly stated, "He's our ace.

The left-hander, in his seventh year as a professional, participated in the WBC as a member of the Japanese national team. He lost to Venezuela in the quarterfinals, and after returning to Japan on March 16, he expressed his desire to open the season pitcher, saying, "If there is a possibility pitcher for me, I would like to aim for it. He played a total of 3 1/3 innings runs in two games at the tournament and is scheduled to make his first appearance in an open game against Hanshin Tigers on March 21. I was throwing in the game, and my body itself is fine," Kishida explained.

pitcher Shumpeita Yamashita (23), who was scheduled to pitch that day, will be sidelined due to a right elbow injury. The manager stated, "It's nothing serious, but we're taking precautions. If there are no concerns, we'll have him come back." He had been considered a candidate for the opening day pitcher, but his chances of joining the starting rotation have now disappeared. He is expected to undergo no-throwing adjustments for the time being, aiming for a full recovery. In addition, catcher Yuma Tongu (29), who suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee, has also been ruled out of the opening day roster. (Shunta Nanbu)