Report: Rangers, reliever Kyuji Fujikawa sign one-year deal
The Texas Rangers and relief pitcher Kyuji Fujikawa have signed a deal for one year plus an option for 2016, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Fujikawa, who according to Wilson is friends with Rangers pitcher Yu Darvish, had Tommy John surgery in 2013. MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan reports that the deal is pending a physical.
Fujikawa joined the Chicago Cubs out of Japan in 2012. He made 12 appearances for Chicago, going 1-1 and earning two saves in three opportunities. In 12 innings pitched for the Cubs, he recorded a 5.25 ERA and 14 strike outs.
The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2013, ending his first season in the major leagues early.
The 34-year-old returned to Chicago this year and earned a 4.85 ERA over 13 innings pitched in 15 appearances. He became a free agent after Chicago declined to pick up his $5.5 million option in October.
Fujikawa will join Darvish in Texas, as well as the Rangers' recently acquired left-hander Ross Detwiler. The Rangers finished the 2014 season with a 67-95 record, in fifth place in the AL West.
- Christopher Woody
