◆Farm team practice game: Orix Buffaloes vs. Rokitechno Toyama (19th, Osaka City Shinkin Stadium)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Kaito Saiki (26) has taken a step towards his comeback. The fast reliever, who underwent arthroscopic osteophyte removal and loose body fragment removal surgery on his right elbow last October, made a brief return to action in April, but was again sidelined from mound due to upper body conditioning issues. On the 19th, in a farm team practice game against Rokitechno Toyama, closer the opponent to one hit and no runs in one inning, and his fastest pitch was recorded at 152 km/h.

"I was able to pitch without any worries, and I was able to swing my arm firmly even on fastballs. I'm in good shape." This was his first game appearance since the farm league game Softbank Hawks on May 4 at Tamasta Chikugo. Among the 12 pitches, he confirmed his lifeline fastball and fork of his clutch pitches. In addition to output, there is a certain responsiveness in translational motion at pitch hours. Going forward, he plans to keep pitching in the farm team while monitoring his condition, and manager Kishida, who was watching over him, advised him, "Just pitch and observe your body's reactions to improve your condition."

In 2025, he had a career-high 38 games, hold 4 saves and 11 holds ERA 1.87. In the bullpen, Mukunoki and Machado are solid in the 8th and 9th innings, while Iwasaki, whom he looks up to as a mentor, Teranishi, Yamazaki, and Yoshida are also fighting hard. "The situation is completely different from last year. I want to get results in the minor leagues again and get called up to the major leagues." His true style is to overwhelm hitter with his fighting spirit. He will return in perfect condition. (Shunta Nanbu)