Yuki Udagawa begins comeback journey following Tommy John surgery

Orix Buffaloes pitcher Yuki Udagawa is preparing for a comeback in the Miyazaki Phoenix League following his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Udagawa underwent the procedure on March 11, 2025, after injuring his right elbow during spring training.

While Udagawa initially saw progress in his recovery, he faced setbacks due to pain following high-velocity pitches and psychological pressure to return to the roster. After an emergency exit from a practice game in July, he underwent a three-month rehabilitation period focused on refining his pitching form and improving flexibility to reduce elbow strain.

Udagawa has recently increased his bullpen sessions and is prioritizing pitch quality over raw velocity. He is expected to join the Phoenix League in mid-October as he works toward a potential return to first-team play.