Orix Buffaloes pitcher Atsuya Fujikawa (18), who underwent medial collateral ligament reconstruction (Tommy John surgery) on his right elbow on August 19, began his rehabilitation at the club's facility in Maishima, Osaka, on the 1st. The first-round draft pick rookie, who showed his determination with a buzz cut, saying, 'It's a change of pace, and I want to work hard from here,' checked the condition of his right elbow today and made a powerful declaration.

"I feel positive! What matters most is how much I can grow. I'm looking ahead to making a comeback and getting promoted to the first squad immediately," he said. Within the team, players like Yamazaki and Mukunoki have overcome similar surgeries and are now active contributors to the first squad. Although he faces a long-term absence in his first year out of high school, he sounded reliable, saying, "I will work hard to surpass those players."

He plans to start throwing slowly around December and begin full-scale pitching in one year. He clearly set his goal, stating, 'I want to be able to pitch properly starting around the Phoenix League (next October).' The team's aces, Miyagi and Yamashita, are also in the same rehabilitation group. He is highly motivated, saying, 'I want to work on this while talking with them.' He plans to scale up his physical, mental, and technical skills, including breaking his personal record of 153 km/h. He is full of motivation.