Right-hander Chihiro Kaneko, who ran last year's postseason awards table, is set to return to the mound on Saturday afternoon, in what will be his first game since having shoulder surgery in November.
The Orix Buffaloes on Friday announced the 31-year-old Kaneko as their starter for the second game of their series against the Chiba Lotte Marines. Last season, Kaneko led the Pacific League in wins (16) and ERA (1.98). He won the league's MVP award and the Sawamura Award, which goes to the most outstanding starting pitcher in either league.
Kaneko, who had his right shoulder cleaned out after he pitched for Japan against visiting major leaguers in November, has not appeared in any minor league games for the Buffaloes.
The Buffaloes, who finished runner-up last season to the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, were — along with the Hawks — one of the favorites to win the league this season, but entered Friday's games in last place, 9-1/2 games back of the league-leading Hawks.