[Orix Buffaloes] Ace Hiroya Miyagi determined to start again “If there is a possibility…” Willing to open the season pitcher for the third year in a row, despite no opportunity to pitch in the WBC quarterfinals.

[Orix Buffaloes] Ace Hiroya Miyagi determined to start again “If there is a possibility…” Willing to open the season pitcher for the third year in a row, despite no opportunity to pitch in the WBC quarterfinals.

Sports Hochi

March 17, 2026 05:00

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Hiroya Miyagi (24) expressed his desire to be the opening day pitcher on the 16th, a role that has not yet been officially announced. The ace left-hander returned to Osaka with fellow WBC Japan representatives Soya and Wakatsuki. He acknowledged the fact that he did not get a chance to pitch in the quarterfinal loss to Venezuela and revealed his determination to make a fresh start.

“I’m disappointed that I couldn’t pitch in that important game, but I have to switch my focus to the upcoming season.” Just like in the previous tournament in 2023, he couldn’t make it to mound in the United States. Miyagi is looking ahead with determination, and he is aiming to be the opening pitcher, saying, “As pitcher, if there’s a possibility, I want to aim for it.”

In the WBC, he pitched two games, throwing a total of 3 1/3 innings without hit runs. He is scheduled to rejoin the first team on the 20th, and he showed consideration for Yamashita and Kuri, who have been making their mark in his absence, saying, “If I can join the competition…” This is an important role that he has held for two consecutive years since 2014. After his experience on the big stage, he will return even more reliable. (Toru Nagata)

　〇…オリックス・若月がさらなる成長を誓った。自身初のＷＢＣでは、捕手陣で最多となる４試合に出場。ベネズエラに敗れた準々決勝を振り返り「相手にはペレスという偉大な捕手がいた。振る舞いや立ち姿もそう。まだまだ大きな捕手にならないといけない」と約束した。若月とともに初出場だった左腕の曽谷は大会で１試合に登板したのみ。「本当に大きな経験をさせていただいた。僕の立ち位置が確認できたし、もっともっと練習しないと」と決意を新たにした。また、広島・小園は、２０日のソフトバンク戦（みずほペイペイ）で１軍に合流する。