Orix Buffaloes ・ It was decided on the 26th that Tomoya Mori catcher (30) will rejoin the first team for the game against the Rakuten Eagles (Hotto Kobe) on the 27th. This indispensable pillar of the team’s offense and defense has recovered from an upper-body injury. Manager Kishida gave the green light for his return, saying, “I’ve been told he’s in good condition.”

In his 13th professional season, he had played in 42 games so far, batting .273 with 5 Home Run and 17 RBI, but was removed from the active roster on the 2nd. Since then, he has been gradually rehabilitating, and after returning to action on the 21st, he showed a smooth recovery with 5 At Bat 9 at hit in 3 farm league games. He is a reliable presence both as starting line-up and as a pinch hitter in crucial situations. The manager expressed his unwavering confidence, saying, "He delivered results (before his absence). We have high expectations for him."

Haruto Watanabe outfielder (26), who had been sidelined due to lower-body injuries, will rejoin the first team starting on the 27th. In his fifth pro season, he had played in 46 games with a .262 batting average, 3 Home Run, 10 RBI, and 11 stolen base—second in the Pacific League—and was on the verge of securing the starting center field position thanks to his speed.The team has slipped to fourth place after losing two consecutive series, and it has been decided that Sugimoto, who has been struggling, will be sent down to the farm system for readjustment. In an effort to turn the team’s fortunes around Orix Buffaloes, two players left-handed hitter are returning. (Shunta Nanbu)