It was learned on the 6th that Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes catcher Yuma Tongu (29) will undergo surgery on his right knee with the aim of returning to the team next season. He injured the back of his right knee when he hit Home Run in an intrasquad game on February 11th and has been sidelined ever since. At one point he recovered enough to return to playing, but after his last game against Nippon-Ham Fighters' minor league team on May 29th (at Sugimoto Shoji BS), his condition worsened again.

Since June, he has been undergoing examinations and tests at multiple hospitals, searching for the best course of action. He is generally resistant to injuries and pain, but recently it had become so severe that it was affecting even light running. The surgery is not expected to be minor, and he is likely to be out for the rest of the season. This is a major blow for the team, which is hoping to climb up from fourth place, but Tongu himself has come to terms with the reality.

"I am incredibly grateful to the team and trainers who understood my intentions and supported me. I believe I can perform even better than I do now." In 2023, he won the batting title with a .307 average, and last year, which was hitter Kishida's first year, he served as team captain. After repeated discussions with the team, their feelings aligned.

Looking ahead to a full comeback, he said, "It's frustrating, but I still want to play baseball. I think I just have to create a new style." He's still only 29 years old. He will overcome hardships and return stronger than ever.