Orix Buffaloes pitcher Ryuhei Sotani (25) made his return to competitive play on the 19th in a farm league game against the Hanshin Tigers (SGL), his first game in a month. The left-hander had been prioritizing his conditioning since his last game on June 10th against Yakult Swallows (Kyocera Dome), where he pitched complete game win (4 wins) allowing 4 runs in 9 innings. "Rather than focusing on power, I focused on balance and feel when I threw," he said, throwing 25 pitches to 6 hitter as a starter, with his fastest pitch clocked at 150 km/h.

On June 11, he was removed from the active roster and confirmed his condition in two bullpen pitch. On this day, he threw fork and cutter against his treasured slider. Going forward, he plans to increase both pitches and inning, aiming to return to the first team after the All-Star Game. Understanding the team's situation where aces Miyagi and Yamashita lack starting pitchers, he promised, "It is my responsibility that I left as a fact. I have always wanted to return as soon as possible."