◆ Seibu Lions Pacific League: Seibu vs. Orix Buffaloes (August 1st, Belluna Dome)

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Shota Abe has rejoined the first team. In his sixth professional season, he struggled at the start of the season, giving up a total of 5 runs in 2 games, but was promoted to the first team for the third time this season on July 14. After that, he appeared in 4 of the 5 games and did not give up any runs himself, but was removed from the active roster on the 20th of the same month. After one appearance in the farm team, he is expected to be added to the active roster the previous day (July 31) to replace Saiki, who was removed from the roster due to an upper body injury.

After establishing himself in the first team in 2022, the right-hander changed his pitching form to a sidearm style during the offseason of 2025, when he had the fewest appearances in 16 games. "I want to give it my all. If I can be of help to the team, I'll do anything, any role," says the 33-year-old, who contributes in various situations, from being behind, to one-point relief against right-handed hitter, and long relief.