Softbank Hawks ・ Naoyuki Uwasawa pitcher vowed on the 22nd to show his determination in his return to the first team. He was removed from the active roster on May 17 due to a right elbow injury and is scheduled to be added to the first-team roster mound for the game against the Orix Buffaloes on the 23rd (at Mizuho PayPay Dome). On this day, he participated in practice at Mizuho PayPay Dome pitcher and“The team is in good shape. I just want to make sure I don’t hold the team back—or rather, that I can do my part to keep things running smoothly,” he said, delivering a strong pitching performance to keep the team’s two-game winning streak alive.

He made two appearances in the farm league, starting against the Hanshin Tigers on the 14th (at Tamasta Chikugo) and allowing 2 runs over 4 2/3 innings.Meanwhile, on the first team, led by Otsu—who has recorded seven wins, tied for second in the league—young pitchers such as Almenta and Yu Maeda have also been called up to the mound to help rotate the starting rotation. Watching that starting rotation, he said, “I felt a strong desire to return as soon as possible and do my job so that I wouldn’t be outdone by them.I found myself thinking that I had to work hard so I wouldn’t be outdone by that youthful energy and so I could keep playing for as long as possible,” he said, noting that he had been watching their performances with a sense of inspiration.

The right-hander, who also served as the opening day pitcher this season, began the season with determination, saying, "I have to become a key player." Regarding his feelings about returning to the first team, he said, "I'm excited, but I feel more nervous. I really don't want to come back and not get results. I want to create a chance to win, no matter what kind of pitching I do." Despite the disappointing absence, he is determined to make his presence felt through pitch.