Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes outfielder Yutaro Sugimoto (35) is likely to make his return to competitive play for the first time in two months in a farm team practice game against Samty on the 19th (at Sugimoto Shoji BS). He missed the opening day roster due to pain in both knees, and his last appearance was in a farm league game against the Hanshin Tigers Tigers on March 24th (at Kyocera Dome). He has been carefully undergoing rehabilitation and has recovered to a game-level condition.

The team, which has fallen to second place after four consecutive losses, has struggled in its last seven games, with a record of 1 win and 6 losses, scoring only 7 runs in total. Their only Home Run run has been by Ota. Sugimoto, who possesses the potential for long hits, could be the catalyst for change. "I just want to play in a first-team game as soon as possible. That's all I want," he said, having checked pitcher' pitches during a live batting practice session on the 16th.

His ideal scenario is to start as a designated hitter and gradually increase his pace in defense and base running. He intends to focus on "how much he can do without worrying about his knees" as he prepares for the season. With one Home Run run in sight, he is eager to join the first team for the interleague games starting on the 26th, provided everything goes smoothly. The star player's "opening day" is drawing near. (Toru Nagata)