◆Farm League Orix Buffaloes 4-1 Lotte (Sugimoto Shoji BS)

Orix Buffaloes Kohei Azuma pitcher (26), who underwent cleaning surgery on his right elbow in November 2025, made his return to action on the 2nd in a farm league game against Lotte (Sugimoto Shoji BS). In the mound of the first game since the Phoenix League in October of that year, he retired all three batters in the first inning of the third inning. "He was producing output, so I'm glad he did," he said, clocking a top speed of 152 km/h and making a strong fresh start.

After 7 pitches, slider, two seam fastball and breaking ball were also confirmed. On April 26, he pitched for Live BP, clearing pitch the "five-day" mark. He also said, "My body is responding well, and I want to make sure I'm in good shape.

"This is where the real work begins. I have to be ready to pitch wherever I'm told to." The "unbeatable man," who had an undefeated 8-game winning streak since his debut in 2022, only managed one win in 2025. He promised to join pitcher staff in full force, with ace Miyagi and others sidelined, so that he can "make an impact in the first team."