[Orix Buffaloes] The wait is over! Jerry is set to make his debut in Japan: “I’m ready to go anytime.” The 213cm right-hander, whose condition has recovered, will face…
Sports Hochi
March 31, 2026 05:00
Orix Buffaloes pitcher Sean Hjelle (28) emphasized on the 30th that he is ready for his first appearance in Japan. The new foreign right-hander skipped the third game of the season against Rakuten Eagles (29th at Kyocera Dome Osaka) to prioritize his conditioning. On this day, he participated in pitcher practice at Maishima in Osaka along with Miyagi and Teranishi. “Even the slightest discomfort is gone. I’m ready to go anytime,” he said, appearing to be in perfect condition. With Tajima, who had been filling in for him, being removed from the active roster, it is likely that Jerry will make his debut on April 5th against Nippon-Ham (at ES CON FIELD).
Jerry is the tallest player in history with major league experience, standing at 213 centimeters. He had a perfect spring training session, allowing only one runs in 12 innings, and runs two scoreless innings in a farm league game against the Hanshin Tigers Tigers on the 24th at Kyocera Dome Osaka. The team won their opening series 2-1. Jerry himself seemed eager for the restarted “opening day,” saying, “The team is very young overall, and full of energy and passion. I’m looking forward to the season.”