Orix Buffaloes pitcher Sean Hjelle (28) of the Giants did not appear on ground for pre-season practice on the 26th. It is believed that he prioritized his conditioning and is expected to miss the third game of the season against Rakuten Eagles (29th at Kyocera Dome), in which he was expected to start.
The new addition to the team is a 213cm right-handed pitcher, making him the tallest player with major league experience ever. He pitched a total of 12 innings in the preseason games, runs only one run. He also runs two scoreless innings in a Hanshin Tigers Tigers on the 24th (at Kyocera Dome). His symptoms were mild, and the priority was given to ensuring he was fully fit for a return to the first team.
On this day, pitcher Daiki Tajima (29), a left-hander in his ninth year with the team, rejoined the first team from the farm team. He is expected to start on the 29th as a substitute for the new foreign player, and he checked his condition through catch practice and other activities.
![[Photo] Orix Buffaloes outfielder Yutaro Sugimoto, nicknamed "Raoh," serves as one-day police chief in his hometown of Anan, Tokushima! His uniform look receives overwhelming praise.](https://hochi.news/images/2025/12/27/20251227-OHT1I51208-L.jpg)
![[Orix Buffaloes] Manager Mamoru Kishida: "He's a player we need to rely on." We are eagerly awaiting the early return of Yutaro Sugimoto, who will be starting the season in the minor leagues for the first time in six years.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/03/26/20260326-OHT1I51455-L.jpg)
![[Orix Buffaloes] Hiroya Miyagi expresses his enthusiasm for being the opening pitcher for the third consecutive year: "From the first hitter, I will do my best to do what I can at that moment."](https://hochi.news/images/2026/03/26/20260326-OHT1I51421-L.jpg)
![[Orix Buffaloes] Manager Mamoru Kishida on the numerous predictions of a third-place finish: "I don't think about it in terms of what that means (laughs). You never know until it starts."](https://hochi.news/images/2026/03/26/20260326-OHT1I51317-L.jpg)
![[Orix Buffaloes] 213cm right-handed pitcher Jerry to skip his start in the game Rakuten Eagles on the 29th. Conditioning is likely his top priority, aiming for a full recovery.](https://hochi.news/images/2026/03/25/20260325-OHT1I51492-L.jpg)
