Orix Buffaloes ・ Tomoya Mori catcher (30) looks set to become a key player in the team’s push for the top of the standings. After being recalled on June 27 following a period of poor upper-body condition, he hit his first home run since his return—his sixth of the season—in the game against the Seibu Lions on the 3rd (at Hotto Kobe). During pre-game practice that same day, he was seen preparing his outfield glove and taking grounders in right field.The team’s game against the Seibu Lions on the 4th (at Hotto Kobe) was rained out, and they slipped back to fifth place after being replaced by the Lotte Marines, who win Softbank Hawks. Reporter Nanbu, who covers the Orix Buffaloes, explored the possibility of “Mori-tomo in right field.”

The last time Moritomo played right field in regular season was on July 28, 2024, against Softbank Hawks (at Mizuho PayPay Dome). Manager Kishida did not rule out a "comeback." "If it adds even one more variation to our arsenal, then it might happen." Before his absence, he started 20 games as catcher. When Wakatsuki, one of the team's two ace catchers, took the mask, there were times when Moritomo had no choice but to stay on the bench.

Moritomo himself has consistently emphasized that he will "do his best at anything for the team." In 2024, when he started 13 games in right field, he recorded the highest batting average of .304 among all positions. The mere fact that they have the option to move the 2019 batting hitter to outfield when defense strong Wakatsuki is playing will undoubtedly be a big plus wall.

This could positively influence other players as well. Nishikawa is the only player on the team to start all 76 games so far. He contributes with his batting, ranking third in the league with a batting average of .295. On the other hand, he has already started 61 games in left field. This is close to reaching 70 games in 25 years. Regarding the genius hitter, who is aiming to play every game for the first time in his 11th year as a pro, Manager Kishida emphasized, "It would be a problem if he wasn't there." If Moritomo can also assign the DH slot, which Moritomo entered in the team's most 26 games, it will surely help him thrive in the final stages of the season by reducing his burden.

Since the league resumed, the team has a record of 3 wins, 8 losses, and 1 draw, and has started July with 2 losses and 1 draw. Coach Kishida, who is determined to "make a comeback with everyone," believes that the time to make a move is approaching. (Shunta Nanbu)