It was confirmed on the 4th that Orix Buffaloes pitcher Ryuhei Sotani (25) will return to the team in the game against Lotte on the 8th (at ZOZO Marine Stadium). The left-hander had been removed from the roster since the game against Yakult on June 10th (at Kyocera Dome) in order to prioritize his conditioning. He has made appearances in three games and has earned a place on the first team mound.

In the Farm League game against the Softbank Hawks (Tama Chikugo) held on the 1st, he pitched four innings, allowing four runs. He threw a total of 76 pitches.After his appearance, he confirmed that there were no issues, including with his left elbow. It appears he has passed the final check. On that day, he participated in the Farm League’s full-team practice in Maishima, Osaka. “My condition is absolutely fine. I’m also able to generate power,” he said with a bright expression.

With ace pitcher Miyagi and others missing from the starting rotation, he is expected to be one of the key players, along with Kuri and Espinoza. "I want to prepare so that I can put all my current strength into it," he said, looking ahead to the day. The team has 45 games remaining and is in 4th place in the Pacific League with a 50% winning percentage. They will give it their all to keep the team ahead. (Toru Nagata)