NewsHard-throwing reliever aims to leave Japan
Igarashi files for free agency, wants to sign with MLB teamBy Lisa Winston / MLB.com
11/09/09 9:56 AM EST
Ryota Igarashi, a right-handed reliever with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows of Japan's Central League, filed for free agency on Monday, making himself eligible to be signed by a Major League team, The Associated Press reported.Igarashi, 30, shares the record for throwing the fastest pitch in the Japanese major leagues, at 98.75 mph. He has spent his entire 11-year career with the Swallows, amassing 630 strikeouts in 570 innings pitched. He has hired agent Arn Tellem, who also represents Hideki Matsui.
Igarashi was 3-2 with a 3.19 ERA and three saves in 56 games in 2009. His best season was in 2004, when he recorded 37 saves.
A total of 87 players from Japan's professional leagues were eligible to file for free agency. In that country's system, a player becomes eligible to sign overseas after nine seasons.
Lisa Winston is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
