The Softbank Hawks said Saturday they have acquired former Boston Red Sox left-handed reliever Hideki Okajima on a one-year deal worth 35 million yen, plus bonus incentives.
Okajima, 36, who will help bolster the Softbank bullpen, is expected to appear at a press conference on Monday.
Late last year Okajima signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees, but the contract was later nullified after he failed a physical due to concern about his left shoulder.
Softbank said the shoulder has been deemed healthy upon re-evaluation.
''It has been deemed okay,'' said Softbank official Shigeru Ishiwata.
Okajima joined the Red Sox in 2007 from the Nippon Ham Fighters. He had a 17-8 record with six saves and a 3.11 ERA in 261 major league games, all in relief.
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