The Texas Rangers reportedly added some depth to their bullpen on Friday, agreeing to terms with free agent relief pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa.
According to TR Sullivan of MLB.com, the deal is currently pending a complete physical:
Rangers working to sign reliever Kyuji Fujikawa. Deal is pending a physical as he had elbow surgery this past season
— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) December 12, 2014
Despite Fujikawa having undergone Tommy John surgery in 2013, the Rangers are willing to take a calculated one-year chance (with an option for a 2nd year), says Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:
#Rangers' deal with Kyuji Fujikawa, pals with Yu Darvish, is for one year plus an option. Fujikawa had Tommy John in 2013, returned in 2014.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) December 12, 2014
The 34-year-old righty came to the United States by way of the Chicago Cubs. Although he has a not-so-impressive 5.04 ERA at the MLB level, he has missed hitters' bats to the tune of 11.2 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.
Chicago declined a $5.5 million option on Fujikawa to start the offseason, thus opening the door for Texas to finalize a deal.
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