Orix Buffaloes pitcher Ryuhei Sotani (25) vowed to return to the mound as soon as possible on the 22nd. Prioritizing his conditioning, he has decided to skip his start in the three-game series against Softbank Hawks (Mizuho PayPay Dome) starting on the 23rd. The left-hander, who will be preparing for his next appearance in near-perfect condition, spoke frankly about his feelings.

"All I want is to get back as soon as possible." In his fourth professional season, he has a record of 4 wins and 3 losses ERA 3.08 in 8 games. In the game Yakult on the 10th (Kyocera Dome), he threw a career-high 125 pitches and pitched complete game win, allowing 4 runs in 9 innings. With ace pitchers Miyagi and Yamashita absent this season due to elbow surgery, he is expected to be a key part of the rotation, and he bit his lip, saying, "I feel ashamed that I'm giving way to others."

On this day, he visited the team's facilities in Maishima, Osaka. "All I can do is do what I can," he said, checking his condition with stretches and other exercises. His ideal is to dominate with his fastball, which consistently approaches 150 km/h, and his "rollercoaster slider" with its big break. He won't waste a single second. (Shunta Nanbu)

〇… Orix Buffaloes 's Tajima has put his back on the line. The left-hander gave up 5 runs in 4 innings in the game against Hiroshima on the 6th (Mazda Stadium), and has been adjusting in the farm team since the 7th. He is scheduled to start in the game against Softbank Hawks on the 24th (Mizuho PayPay Stadium) in place of Soya, who is prioritizing conditioning. On this day, he participated in pitcher practice in Maishima, Osaka. "I'm going to do it. From here on, I have the energy to play in the first team until the end. Precisely because it's tough, I want to contribute somehow," he said, showing his extraordinary determination.