JAPAN – The New York Mets have signed Japanese pitcher Ryota Igarashi to a two-year deal worth at least $3 million, according to the Associated Press. The former Yakult Swallows reliever is expected to be the primary set-up man for All-Star closer Francisco Rodriguez.

Igarashi (pictured) will have a base salary of $1.25 million in 2010 and $1.75 million in 2011. The 10-year NPB veteran can also earn an additional $250,000 each season based on number of appearances.

The 30-year-old right-hander, who showcased a 98 mph fastball before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2006, posted a 3-2 record with three saves and a 3.19 ERA in 56 games this past season.

Igarashi, who topped the Central League with 37 saves in 2004, went 47-29 with 54 saves, 630 strikeouts, and a 3.25 ERA in 507 games in Japan.

YOKOHAMA INKS FOR MLB INFIELDER

Former Pittsburgh Pirates’ infielder Jose Castillo has agreed to a one-year contract with the
Yokohama BayStars. The Venezuela native will earn a base salary of 30 million yen plus performance bonuses.

Castillo batted .314 with 13 homers in 2009 and helped the Uni-President Lions win the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) championship.

The 28-year-old last played in the major leagues in 2008 with the San Francisco Giants and Houston Astros. In 592 major league games, he batted .254 with 39 homers and 218 RBIs.

LOTTE SIGNS FORMER BIG LEAGUE HURLER

Former major league reliever Bryan Corey has signed with the Lotte Marines, the NPB club announced on Friday.

The 36-year-old Corey, who made 21 relief appearances for the Yomiuri Giants in 2004 while compiling a 1-1 record and a 5.48 ERA, will earn $300,000.

The right-hander last pitched in the big leagues in 2008h the Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres. In 91 major league games, Corey posted a 4-4 record with a 5.13 ERA.

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Photo courtesy of Yakult Swallows

Tags: Japan