Orix Buffaloes pitcher Ryuhei Sotani (25) said on the 9th that he is aiming to return to the first team at the end of July, after the All-Star break. The fourth-year left-hander has not pitched since the game against Yakult Swallows on June 10th (Kyocera Dome), prioritizing his conditioning. "I'm aiming for around that time (after the All-Star break), and I want to get back as soon as possible," he said, resuming pitch practice using the mound in bullpen at Maishima, Osaka.

First, he carefully checked his lower body movements and other aspects with net throws. "I'm in the stage of gradually increasing the intensity," he said, and for the last five pitches, he threw to a standing catcher. In the future, he plans to further increase the intensity with pitch on flat ground, and if there are no problems, he will have catcher sit in bullpen. "Given the timing, if I get injured again, it's over," he said calmly, completely eliminating any worries.

The team secured walk-off victory against league Softbank Hawks on the 8th (at Kyocera Dome), moving back up to fourth place. "I will do my best without giving up until the very end," he said, intending to once again be a key player in the starting rotation, which is currently without ace pitchers Miyagi and Yamashita due to elbow surgery. His true strength lies in his fastball, which consistently approaches 150 km/h, and his "jet slider" with its large break. He sees this as a period of preparation to soar higher. (Shunta Nanbu)

〇… Takashima has set his sights on breaking through the '5-inning barrier.' In his third year as a pro, he recorded a personal best of three wins by May, but after that, he went win five consecutive games as a starter. In his last two games, he left after 4 and 2/3 innings, and he emphasized, 'I've left two consecutive innings with just one out short. I have to get over that barrier.' He is preparing for the game against Lotte on the 11th (ZOZO), where he is scheduled to start, and is preparing in Maishima, Osaka. He expanded his vision, saying, 'If the results of pitching carefully to each player from the start of the game lead to a long inning,' he imagined.

Orix Buffaloes 's Tajima (starting in the away game against Lotte on the 10th, aiming to end his own losing streak at three and get his third win since the game Chunichi on May 30th): "I feel like I'm getting better in some areas. I want to do my best to contribute to the team in any way I can."