◆ Pacific League Orix Buffaloes vs. Lotte (April 4th, Kyocera Dome Osaka)

Orix Buffaloes outfielder Ryoma Ikeda has joined the first-team squad. In this, his fifth professional season, he was promoted for the first time in two years for the game against the Hanshin Tigers on June 12 at Kyocera Dome Osaka. After going hitless in three At Bats in the following day's game against the Hanshin Tigers at Kyocera Dome Osaka on the 13th, he had no further opportunities to play and was removed from the active roster on the 20th.

Even so, in the most recent five games played in the farm league, he made a strong impression with a .333 batting average, 2 Home Runs, and 6 RBI. Manager Kishida expressed high expectations, stating, "He has been improving his condition. There was also a recommendation from the farm team."

"Whether I can be promoted to the first team is not something I can decide. I just have to do what I can and work hard regardless of whether I get called up or not," said the 23-year-old, who has been silently dedicated to his practice. He aims to be the spark for a struggling team that has failed to win six consecutive series.