Orix Pitcher Hitomi Honda Retires at 27 After August Neck Injury
Orix Buffaloes pitcher Hitomi Honda retires at 27, two months after a line drive caused a neck artery injury during his 2026 NPB comeback.
World Baseball News Editorial Team , 2 min read 
Orix Buffaloes right-hander Hitomi Honda has retired at 27, the NPB club announced on Friday, October 30, two months after a line drive struck him near the neck during a game against the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks.
Orix said it had accepted Honda’s request to end his playing career. The club did not explicitly state that the August injury caused his decision, but the retirement closes a difficult comeback season for a pitcher who had only just returned to Japan’s top level.
A comeback interrupted after two appearances
Honda was pitching in relief at Mizuho PayPay Dome on August 22 when a batted ball from SoftBank’s Daiki Makihara struck him near the right side of his neck. He left the game and was subsequently diagnosed with a right vertebral artery dissection, an injury involving a blood vessel in the neck.
Only four days earlier, Honda had made his first NPB appearance in 728 days, working a scoreless inning against the Seibu Lions on August 18. He had undergone right elbow surgery in September 2025, returned on a developmental contract and regained a full roster spot on July 30.
The August 22 outing proved to be his second and final first-team appearance of 2026.
Honda leaves after nine seasons with Orix
Selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NPB draft, Honda debuted with the Buffaloes in 2020 and established himself as a bullpen option during the club’s successful run in the Pacific League.
His busiest season came in 2022, when he pitched in 42 games, recorded 14 holds and two saves, and helped Orix defend its league title. Across his NPB career, he appeared in 98 games, going 6–6 with two saves, 30 holds and a 4.70 ERA.
In a statement released by Orix, Honda said he had made the decision after considerable thought and felt at peace with it. He thanked the fans, the organization and everyone who supported him through both good and difficult periods.
Honda’s retirement ends a nine-year association with the Buffaloes, including multiple returns from elbow trouble and a final comeback that lasted just two first-team appearances.
