The Yomiuri Giants plan to add depth to their bullpen by acquiring former Cleveland Indians right-hander Masahide Kobayashi, sources familiar with the matter said Friday.
Kobayashi recorded 227 saves, fourth on the all-time Japanese baseball list, over nine seasons with the Lotte Marines before joining the Indians as a free agent in 2008.
Kobayashi made 57 appearances in his major league rookie year, going 4-5 with six saves and a 4.53 ERA.
But he was sent to the minors in May 2009 after his ERA ballooned to 8.38. The 35-year-old left the Indians two months later.
Kobayashi joins a Yomiuri bullpen that already boasts Daisuke Ochi, Tetsuya Yamaguchi and closer Marc Kroon.
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