"The position I am in now is something that can only be experienced in the world of professional baseball. Rather than thinking 'I've had enough,' I believe that pushing myself to the limit will be more beneficial for me. I will struggle as much as I possibly can." Taketo Ashida, a third-year developmental pitcher for the Orix Buffaloes who is currently undergoing rehabilitation following surgery on his right elbow, is spending the end of the season maintaining his determination to challenge himself until the very end.

Ashida joined the Orix Buffaloes as the 4th pick in the 2023 developmental draft from Eiwa High School (Chiba), Kokushikan University, the corporate team All Frontier, and the Saitama Musashi Heat Bears of the independent Route Inn BC League. At the Heat Bears, he contributed to the 2023 South Division league title as a closer, but at Orix, he was utilized as a starter. By the end of July in his second year, with a record of 2 wins, 3 losses, and an ERA of 2.88, a promotion to the regular roster was in sight; however, he missed his second chance for promotion due to the team's need for a power pitcher (reliever).

Having undergone surgery on his right elbow on October 23rd last year, he entered this season—the final year of his contract—without any anxiety. During the off-season, he woke up at 5:00 AM to engage in early morning training with pitcher Daiki Tajima, entering the season in perfect condition, stating, 'I have the confidence that I practiced more than anyone else.' He was utilized in his original roles as a reliever and closer, getting off to a smooth start with an ERA of 1.37 until mid-May, but he had to make an emergency exit from the mound after injuring his right elbow during a practice game on May 26th. With about two months remaining until the end-of-July deadline for promotion to the 70-man roster, he revealed his condition at the time, saying, 'In my mind, I thought I could keep going even if it hurt a little, but once the pain subsided and I threw again, the pain returned. That continued for about a month and a half, and I realized it was no longer possible.'

At that time, Tajima, who had been helping him with practice, gave him advice: "Since this is an experience you can only have now, struggle as much as you can." These words carry the meaning of "not running away from adversity, but making a desperate effort to break through it." Tajima is a "respected senior" (Ashida) whom he first met at JR East during a practice visit in his third year of high school. They became close after joining the Orix Buffaloes, and Tajima has provided advice in various situations, such as teaching him adjustment methods and listening to his concerns when he was troubled.

"Let's carefully do what we can in our current situation. Getting on the 70-man roster by the end of July isn't the finish line. It's important to take it one step at a time without setting a goal for yourself." Ashida, who was losing sight of his goals as his chances of making the roster became nearly hopeless, was able to look forward thanks to Tajima's words. Tajima himself has had a difficult season with significant ups and downs, finding a turning point for recovery while working as a reliever. To Ashida, the sight of Tajima repeatedly experimenting in pursuit of higher heights overlapped with his advice to "keep struggling." "Tajima-san is also going through a hard time right now, isn't he? Even so, he worries about me and gives me advice. I have nothing but gratitude," Ashida said.

Seven days after missing out on a spot on the active roster, Ashida underwent his second surgery. While the club's decision to provide the surgery leaves open the possibility of a contract renewal after his three-year developmental contract ends, it is not guaranteed. This is because it involves the team's roster management policy. 'This current psychological state is something you couldn't experience even if you wanted to. I believe that everything—the frustration of missing the roster and the feeling of not knowing if I can play baseball next year—is a plus. What I am doing now is not in vain.' He has also resumed playing catch. Facing himself, he aims for a return to actual competition in the Phoenix League with a calm mind.

Interview and text by Masaki Kitano