It was decided on the 22nd that Orix Buffaloes pitcher Sean Hjelle (29) will start against Softbank Hawks on the 23rd (at Mizuho PayPay Dome). In his last start on the 13th against Hanshin Tigers (at Kyocera Dome), he gave up 4 runs (2 earned) in 6 innings, resulting in his third loss. He revealed that he had gone to Tokyo and Kyoto with his parents after that, saying, "I was able to adjust by spending good time traveling with my family. Who I spent time with was more important than the place I was in."

Coming to Japan as the tallest right-handed pitcher with major league experience, standing at 213 centimeters, he has a record of 2 wins and 3 losses ERA 1.59 in 10 games. "I'm pitching smoothly," he says, feeling a sense of accomplishment in his efforts in a foreign land. Thanks to the consideration of the coaching staff, his longest outing so far has been 7 inning. "If I can get outs efficiently, I think I can go longer inning," he said, showing his ambition to "surpass his own record."

Born in the United States, he played soccer for a year when he was six years old. His country has advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup currently being held in North and Central America. "Of course, I'm very happy because it's my country, but I think the matches from here on out will be tough. I hope they can maintain this momentum," he said, offering his support. "My position? I was six years old so I played everywhere (laughs). (In baseball too) I want to concentrate on throwing as long as I have the ball," he said jokingly.