Orix Buffaloes Yasuto Takashima pitcher was struck from the roster on January 1. In his third year as a professional baseball player, he started the season with three consecutive wins and a spot in the starting rotation. However, in his last two starts, he lasted less than five innings, and on May 31, he pitched 5 hit 4 runs innings in a 1 1/3 inning game against Chunichi (Kyocera Dome Osaka).

His fastball over 150 km/h has power, but his control of the ball in key spots is an issue. After the game against Chunichi, Takashima said, "The pitches gathered (on sweet courses). I think I have to practice repeatedly so that I can hit the tough spots. Ho Naito infielder were also removed from the roster.

The team has won two consecutive series in the interleague play, putting them just one game behind the Pacific League leaders, Seibu Lions. They are scheduled to play a three-game series The Giants at Tokyo Dome starting on the 2nd.