◆ Pacific League: Orix Buffaloes vs. Nippon-Ham (18th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes ・ Kosei Yoshida pitcher joined the first team on the 18th. Having recovered from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in March of the 25th year, he is currently in his eighth professional season and has posted a record of 1 win, 2 losses, and an ERA of 4.11 hold, ERA over 20 games so far. He was briefly removed from the active roster on the 2nd for rest purposes.

After a period of no throwing, he made his return to action in a farm league game against Hanshin Tigers on the 10th (at Sugimoto Shoji BS). He retired the side in order in one inning. "I got plenty of rest. (In the Hanshin Tigers game) I threw 150 km/h for the first time since the surgery, and even my slowest fastball was around 147 km/h. I'm quite satisfied," he said, expressing his confidence in returning to the first team.

The team suffered three straight losses Rakuten Eagles in their three-game series starting on the 14th (Rakuten Eagles Mobile). A total of 16 pitcher gave up 18 runs, leaving them in a difficult situation in fourth place with a positive win-loss record of just one game above .500. "From here on, things will get tougher and tougher for the relief pitchers as we head into the final stages of the season. I think there will be times when I have to pitch three games in a row once September arrives, so as long as I don't get injured, I want to aim for that." Kosei, who has reaffirmed his commitment to pitching in 50 or more games for the third time in his career, is hoping to change the tide.