Orix Buffaloes announced on March 15 that Shumpeita Yamashita pitcher underwent right elbow medial collateral ligament reconstruction surgery at a U.S. hospital. In his sixth year as a professional player, he left before the season opener due to a condition in his right elbow, and resumed throwing in April, but his condition did not improve as much as expected. After repeated discussions with the baseball 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.

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. Ace pitcher Miyagi, who was expected to be one of the two main starting pitchers alongside Yamashita, is currently sidelined with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow. While the long-term absence is a big shock, he will continue his rehabilitation believing in a bright future.

◆ 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.