Daichi Osera's Three Straight Appearances Draw Praise: "What Does It Make the Other Pitchers Feel?"

Daichi Osera's three consecutive relief appearances have drawn attention not only for his performance, but also for the example he is setting for his teammates.

Osera has spent most of his career as a starting pitcher, but after working as a reliever with Hiroshima's farm team before his latest promotion, he has appeared exclusively out of the bullpen since returning to the first team.

The 35-year-old has now pitched in three straight games, beginning with the September 12 game against the DeNA BayStars. On September 14 against the Yakult Swallows, he entered in relief and recorded two outs without allowing a run.

His unusual transition from long-time starter to high-leverage relief pitcher was discussed on the September 14 broadcast of Professional Baseball News 2026 on Fuji TV ONE.

Former NPB manager Tatsuhiko Tsuji and former player Takahiro Saeki were among those discussing Osera's role.

Host Hiroki Nomura, himself a former pitcher and manager, pointed out how difficult it can be for a manager to ask an established veteran to take on a completely different role.

"Tsuji-san, you've managed before, but asking a player like this to become a setup man, even if it's because of the team's circumstances, must be difficult."

Tsuji agreed, noting that the challenge is particularly significant with veteran players.

"Yes. That's why it's difficult with veteran players, and not just pitchers."

When Nomura asked whether a manager has to be particularly careful in handling such situations, Tsuji answered simply:

"Yes, you do."

Saeki, meanwhile, focused on the significance of Osera pitching on three consecutive days at his age.

"Three straight appearances are something people really take notice of these days. The other pitchers on the Carp have to look at him doing this as if it's the most natural thing in the world and think about what it means."

Saeki also praised the intensity Osera continues to show despite being 35 years old.

"At 35, he's still pitching with that much passion. And when he comes back to the bench, he even says a few words to the position players. That's really cool to see."

Nomura also praised Osera's character, saying that his personality is evident in the way he competes on the mound.

"You can really see Osera's character come through when he's on the mound. It's wonderful."

Osera's role has changed dramatically this season. After years as one of Hiroshima's established starters, he was removed from the first team in May and dealt with a difficult stretch that included a right calf injury.

After returning to the farm, however, he began working as a short reliever and gradually regained his strength and velocity. That experience ultimately opened the door to his return to the first team as a bullpen option.

Since his promotion, Osera has embraced the challenge rather than resisting the change.

His recent three-game stretch is therefore about more than simply the number of innings he has pitched. For Hiroshima, a veteran who is willing to accept a new role, pitch on consecutive days and continue competing with intensity can have an influence that extends beyond the numbers.

With the Carp fighting through the final stages of the season, Osera's performance—and the example he sets for the pitchers around him—could become an important part of Hiroshima's push toward the postseason.