Orix Buffaloes Shumpeita Yamashita pitcher (23) underwent ligament reconstruction surgery on his right elbow at a U.S. hospital, it was learned on April 14. He had resumed throwing in April, but his condition had not improved as much as expected. After repeated discussions with the team, the decision was made to have surgery by the beginning of this month. The 161-kilogram right-hander, who is expected to be a key starter, will aim for a full recovery by the end of next season.

Yamashita has made an important decision. He was sidelined before the season started due to a right elbow condition and has recently been undergoing no-throwing rehabilitation. He has undergone multiple examinations. After repeated discussions with the team, a course of action was decided by the beginning of this month. He will travel to the United States to undergo reconstructive surgery on his right elbow ligament. The shock of being sidelined for such a long period is significant, but he is still only 23 years old. He is focused solely on making a full recovery by next season.

In April, he resumed throwing. He had recovered enough to envision returning to the first team in May, saying, "I'm still in the stage where I can do it." However, his rehabilitation since then has been a back-and-forth process. Based on his current condition, they have been searching for the best course of action. Recognizing Yamashita's desire to return to competition in about a year, faster than the conventional Tommy John surgery, the team has also shown understanding towards the idea of surgery in the United States.

In his sixth year as a professional, Yamashita had a 1-0 record with a 1.25 ERA in four games last year. He overcame lower back problems due to his growth spurt and dominated with 31 strike out in 21 2/3 innings. "I want to complete the entire season and clear the required innings pitched. I want to do my best to win the league championship and become the best in Japan," he revealed, expressing his aspirations for this season. He progressed smoothly from his independent training in January to spring training. However, the situation changed when he was forced to skip his scheduled appearance in the exhibition game against Hanshin Tigers on March 20th (Kyocera Dome). Nevertheless, he thoroughly worked on strengthening the muscles around his right elbow and his overall strength in the farm system, and tackled as many training menus as possible.

The team, aiming for its first championship in three years, is currently in first place with an eight-game lead. Ace pitcher Miyagi, who would normally be expected to be one of the starting pitchers alongside Yamashita, is currently sidelined with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. He will now be monitored for his post-operative recovery and will prepare for rehabilitation upon his return to Japan. His greatest weapon is his blazing fastball, which reaches a top speed of 161 km/h. Believing in a bright future, Shunpei moves forward.

◆ Shumpeita Yamashita

▼September 7, 2013: He recovered from a lower back injury caused by his growth process that he had suffered before the season started, and returned to play in a game against Nippon-Ham (Kyocera Dome). That year, he played in 4 games, recording 1 win, 1 hold, and ERA 1.25.

▼January 22, 2014: Open practice session held at Maishima, Osaka.

▼February 18th In his first actual game of 2014, a practice game against Samty (SOKKEN), hit two innings without allowing a hit or runs.

▼On March 11, he started against Lotte (at ZOZO Marine Stadium) and pitched 5 2/3 innings, his longest outing of the season, allowing 3 runs and strike out 6. His fastest pitch was 155 km/h.

▼March 20: Due to discomfort in his right elbow, he was unable to start on the mound against Hanshin Tigers Tigers (at Kyocera Dome) and was sidelined. He began rehabilitation the following day, March 21, in Maishima, Osaka.

▼April 7th: He resumed throwing, but stopped throwing altogether for the remainder of April.

◆Shunpeita Yamashita was born July 16, 2002 in Fukuoka, Japan. 23 years old. He was a member of Fukuoka Ohori Koshien and made no appearances for the team. Orix Buffaloes He was drafted first overall in 2008. In his third year as a pro (23), he made his first appearance in the 1st team for the first time in 69 years for the baseball team pitcher. He went 9-3 that year and won the Pacific League Rookie of the Year award with a ERA 1.61 record. His name comes from economist Joseph Schumpeter. His total record is 13-9-1 in 34 games hold and ERA 2.19. 190 cm, 100 kg. Pitches right-handed and bats right-handed. He is paid 30 million yen a year.