Orix Buffaloes pitcher Hiroya Miyagi expressed his enthusiasm on the 26th for his third consecutive year as the opening day pitcher. He made his final adjustments at the home stadium's practice the day before the opening game against Rakuten Eagles on the 27th (Kyocera Dome Osaka). He checked his condition with catch practice and other drills, saying, "It's the start, so I want to do my best with a renewed spirit. A pitcher 's job is to get one out at a time. From the first hitter, I want to do my best to do what I can at that moment," envisioning a great performance.

The ace left-hander, who returned to Japan on the 16th after participating in the WBC for the second consecutive time following 2013, was given a major role by manager Kishida on the 19th. "That (with Samurai Japan) is over, so there's no point in dwelling on it. I'm currently working as Orix Buffaloes, so I want to do my best for the team," he said, showing his awareness of his responsibilities. In his first appearance in an open game on the 21st against Hanshin Tigers (Kyocera Dome Osaka), he pitched two innings, allowing only one hit and no runs, while strike out four. He emphasized that he had "no problem" adapting to the NPB ball.

Manager Kishida expressed his expectations, saying, "Miyagi is our ace. You can really feel his desire to lead his team to victory, so I want Miyagi to be the pillar of the team, and for all the starting pitchers to work together to lead this team to victory." Miyagi responded, "I don't know how long I'll pitch, but I'll do my best for as long as I can. What's my focus? Winning. Of course." His words are creating a tremendous tailwind for the team to reclaim the championship after three years.