Orix Buffaloes Buffaloes pitcher Shumpeita Yamashita (24), who underwent ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction surgery on his right elbow in May, spent the off-season on the 28th undergoing rehabilitation. The team's first and second teams will restart operations on the 29th, but Yamashita is undergoing electrical therapy and alternating hot and cold baths at the team's facility in Maishima, Osaka. He expressed his determination to make progress every day with the aim of a full recovery by next season.

"We need to do what we can now, without being swayed by the team's schedule." On July 9th, he and Mae, a developmental right-handed pitcher who underwent a second surgery on his right elbow ligament, checked his condition at Maishima, where no team staff were present. Going forward, they plan to gradually increase the load on his right elbow, and he looked ahead, saying, "I want to make the most of each and every day."

Along with ace Miyagi, who underwent similar surgery on his left elbow, he will be absent for the rest of the season. Manager Kishida, who finished the first half of the season with a .500 winning percentage, summarized, "The absence of Miyagi and Peta (Yamashita) as starters has really taken its toll since June." The 161 km/h right-hander, who accepted the reality of the situation, saying, "As pitcher, it's a tough feeling," aims to resume catch in October. With unwavering determination, he will walk towards his ideal goal. (Toru Nagata)