pitcher (27), who underwent medial collateral ligament reconstruction surgery on his right elbow at a hospital in Osaka Prefecture on the 2nd Orix Buffaloes ・ Atsuya Kogita, began rehabilitation on the 4th in Maishima, Osaka.“I wanted to start doing what I could as soon as possible,” he said. Beginning on the second day after surgery, he checked the condition of his left knee—from which a tendon was harvested for his right elbow—and candidly shared his hopes of returning to competition in one year.

He underwent a similar surgery in April 2025, making it his fourth surgery in total, including bone fragment removal and cleaning. "I am nothing but grateful to the team for their understanding and support," he said with a determined expression. In 2023, when the team won the league championship for the third consecutive year, he appeared in 38 games as a relief pitcher, but this season he is on a development contract. "I just want to pitch in good health and contribute to Orix Buffaloes again. That's all I have," he said, looking only ahead.

For the time being, his right elbow will be immobilized in a cast. The road ahead will once again be long and arduous, but he emphasized, "I want to make the most of every single day."