◆ Pacific League: Orix Buffaloes vs. Nippon-Ham (20th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Kyosuke Saito has joined the first team for the first time this season. The right-hander, in his fourth year out of high school, has been playing in the first team since his rookie year in 2023, and in 2024 he recorded two wins, including his first professional win, in eight games. Last year he did not make any appearances in the first team due to a right elbow condition.

This season, he has steadily improved his condition, achieving an excellent ERA of 1.94 in 11 games (7 starts) in the minor leagues. He will initially join the team as a relief pitcher.