[Orix Buffaloes] Ryuhei Sotani gave up 3 runs in the farm league, but said “the pitches themselves aren’t bad,” and recorded a top speed of 146 km/h, steadily progressing towards his own “opening day.”
Sports Hochi
March 27, 2026 05:00
◆Farm League West Division Orix Buffaloes 1-4 Hanshin Tigers (26th, Sugimotoshoji Buffaloes Stadium Maishima)
Orix Buffaloes pitcher Ryuhei Sotani (25) started in a farm league game against Hanshin Tigers on the 26th (at Sugimoto Shoji BS). Although he gave up 3 runs in the middle of the 3rd inning, he emphasized the positive takeaways, saying, “I was able to pitch without worrying about the result.” He threw 45 pitches in the inning, an increase from the 18 pitches he threw in the exhibition game against Hanshin Tigers on the 21st (at Kyocera Dome), and his fastest pitch was recorded at 146 km/h.
He returned to Japan on the 16th from the WBC. He is currently in the process of regaining his feel for the NPB ball, and says that the precision of his signature slider and fork is still a challenge, saying, “My finishing pitches are still a bit blurry.” He remained positive, saying, “The pitches I’m throwing aren’t bad, and I wasn’t physically exhausted.”
Miyagi, also a member of the WBC team, will be the opening day pitcher for the third consecutive year in the game against Rakuten Eagles on the 27th (Kyocera Dome). While inspired by the ace who is one year younger, he himself is scheduled to pitch in a minor league game next. “There are some things you can only learn by throwing a lot of pitches and facing hitter. I want to steadily improve my condition.” The left-hander is not just “expected” to be a key part of the starting rotation, but is “calculated.” He is honing his mind, body, and technique in preparation for the exciting “opening day.”