◆Preseason game: DeNA 2-0 Orix (20th, Yokohama)

Orix 's Mukunoki has been selected for the opening rotation for the first time. "I thought it was my last chance, so I pitched." He made his first start in the second exhibition game, giving up two runs in the middle of the sixth inning. He turned his sense of crisis into strength and is scheduled to start in the sixth opening game against Lotte on April 3rd (ZOZO).

In the Chunichi game on the 11th, he was second and went 3 runs in four innings. With the first hitter on the third inning, he was conscious of "from the first pitch, from the front." With the exception of the first Hit by Pitch, he struck out the entire first inning. With a small change of closer bend width, the new ball "Rise Cut" that has been improved in its own way is also good. Maki, Austin, Tsutsuka and the Japan team stole a blank struck out from the cannon.

As a rookie, he underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in September 2010. After a long rehabilitation and a development contract, he returned to the team last year and made 10 appearances (one as a starter). He threw 83 pitches on this day. "My biggest concern was my elbow, but there's nothing (problem). It's very encouraging," he said happily. He is a fourth-year right-handed pitcher, following Miyagi, Kuri, Takashima, Espinoza, and Soya. On this day, left-handed pitcher Tajima returned to action at the farm team after feeling unwell, and made a strong comeback with two runs innings. When asked about his inclusion in the opening rotation, manager Kishida also gave him the nod, saying, "Is it okay? That's good (laughs)." Those who have struggled have the right to shine. (Osada Toru)

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