Orix Buffaloes pitcher Yuki Yudakawa has agreed too a new contract for the upcoming season, though the terms reflect a notable shift in his role with the team.the 27-year-old, a key member of the championship Classic Round team in 2023, will see a ¥9 million reduction in salary adn reassignment to the developmental squad. Yudakawa is continuing his recovery from Tommy John surgery performed in March and hopes to return to the mound as early as april.
Yudakawa Yuki and Ohtani Shohei (file photo).
Former Classic Round standout Yuki Yudakawa has reached an agreement with his club, the Orix Buffaloes, on a new contract for the upcoming season. The deal is worth ¥28 million, a reduction of ¥9 million from his previous salary, and he will be demoted to a developmental player, wearing jersey number 121.
Yudakawa underwent reconstructive surgery on the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on March 11th of this year – commonly known as Tommy John surgery – and was sidelined for the entire season. Despite the injury, his recovery is progressing well, and he is expected to begin bullpen sessions in the coming days.
“Although there’s still some stiffness in the ligament, my pitching feels good even when it doesn’t feel great,” Yudakawa said at a press conference. He believes that if he can regain his feel, he could potentially throw even better than he did before the injury. Yudakawa anticipates a possible return to the mound in April of next year.
The 27-year-old Yudakawa was selected by the Orix Buffaloes in the third round of the developmental draft in 2020 and made his first-team debut in 2022. He enjoyed a breakout year in 2023, appearing in 46 games and posting a 4-0 record. He recorded 20 holds and two saves, pitching 45.2 innings while allowing just 22 hits and striking out 52 batters, finishing with a stellar 1.77 ERA. His strong performance earned him a spot on the national team for the Classic Round, where he was a key contributor to the championship squad.
*Salaries are estimated
Subscribe for free《Liberty Sports》Newsletter
Don’t miss the latest news on popular events and star athletes
No drawing, no rushing, use the APP to read the news now, guaranteed to win every day
Click to download the APP
Click to see the event details
