It was decided on the 3rd that Orix Buffaloes outfielder Ryoma Ikeda (23) will join the first team starting from the game against Lotte (Kyocera Dome) on the 4th. In his last five farm league games, he made a strong impression with a .333 batting average, 2 Home Runs, and 6 RBIs. Manager Kishida expressed his expectations for him to be a catalyst, stating, 'He has been improving his condition. There was also a recommendation from the farm team.'

In this fifth professional season, he was promoted for the first time in two years for the June 12th game against the Hanshin Tigers (Kyocera Dome). After finishing 0 hits in 3 At Bats in the following day's game on the 13th (same venue), he had no further opportunities to play and was removed from the active roster on the 20th. 'Whether I can get promoted to the first team is not something I can decide. I just have to do what I can and work hard whether I am called up or not.' By silently producing results with his bat, he seized his second chance.

The team suffered their 13th shutout game loss of the season in the match against the Rakuten Eagles on the 2nd (Morioka), marking six consecutive series without a win. The manager hinted at the possibility of player substitutions, stating, 'We (the coaching staff) talked a bit. We are considering it.' The player is a right-handed hitter who joined from Osaka Toin as the 5th draft pick in 2021 and started as the 'number one left fielder' in the first game of the 2023 Japan Series against the Hanshin Tigers. While making the CS (Climax Series) is extremely difficult, the 23-year-old, hungry for an opportunity, will look to change the momentum. (Shunta Nambu)