Daichi Osera Fired Up for a Return to the Bullpen After 10 Years: “I Want to Show I Can Change the Momentum”

Hiroshima Carp veteran Daichi Osera is embracing a new challenge as he prepares to return to the bullpen after nearly 10 years away from the role.

Osera, 35, rejoined the first team on August 30 and was placed on bullpen duty ahead of Hiroshima's three-game series against the Chunichi Dragons beginning September 1.

The veteran right-hander has not appeared in the first team since being removed from the roster on May 5, making his return a long-awaited one.

“I'm finally back. Our hopes of reaching the postseason are still alive, so I want to contribute.”

Osera's 2026 season got off to a difficult start. He injured his right calf during team practice on March 5 and missed the opening rotation for the first time in 10 years.

After returning, he made two starts but suffered two losses. His struggles continued on May 4 against the DeNA BayStars, when he was pulled after allowing six runs in fewer than three innings.

He was subsequently sent to the farm team to work toward another opportunity as a starter.

However, Osera was given a different challenge in August. Beginning with a game against the Orix Buffaloes on August 21, he started working in short relief appearances to improve his pitching intensity and prepare himself for a potential return to the rotation.

The experiment produced encouraging results.

Osera pitched three relief appearances in the farm league, allowing no runs in one inning each time.

“The strength and velocity of my pitches were better than I expected. I felt that if I could maintain that kind of strength, I could compete.”

The upcoming bullpen role will be a significant change for Osera. Although he has extensive experience as a starting pitcher, his last genuine relief appearance came on September 24, 2016, against the Yakult Swallows.

He did make a relief appearance in September 2019, but he entered in the sixth inning and ultimately pitched 6⅔ innings, essentially functioning as a starter.

That means his return to a true relief role comes roughly 10 years after his last one.

“I have experience doing it, so I think I can prepare myself to deliver my best performance every day.”

The timing of Osera's return is particularly important for Hiroshima. The Carp face a demanding September schedule, with 26 games packed into the month, and manager Takahiro Arai believes the veteran's experience could become increasingly valuable.

“September is going to be tight, and we're going to need his strength.”

Osera is currently the oldest pitcher on Hiroshima's roster, and his return represents more than simply adding another arm to the bullpen.

With the Carp still fighting for a place in the postseason, his experience could also provide leadership during the final stretch of the season.

Osera himself understands that his role is bigger than simply making it back to the first team.

“Considering where I am on this team, I don't think this is simply about being called back up. If I can show on the mound that I can change the momentum of a game, that would be exactly what I want.”

Hiroshima enters the final stretch of the season 4.5 games behind the third-place DeNA BayStars.

For a team still refusing to give up on its postseason hopes, the return of a veteran who has spent more than a decade pitching on the biggest stage could provide both experience and a much-needed spark.

Now, after nearly 10 years away from the bullpen, Osera will look to make his experience count when Hiroshima needs him most.