Hideki Okajima Agrees to Minor League Contract With Yankees

by abournenesn

Dec 28, 2011

After a lackluster ending to his tenure in Boston, Hideki Okajima will look to revive his career in New York.

The 36-year-old reliever has agreed to a minor league contract with the Yankees on Wednesday, according to the team's website. Okajima's deal with the club will include an invitation to spring training.

During the 2011 season, the southpaw spent the majority of the season pitching in Triple-A Pawtucket, where he went 8-1 in 34 appearances. Okajima made only seven appearances for the Red Sox, going 1-0 with a 4.32 ERA through 8 1/3 frames.

It was a significant disparity from his previous four years with Boston. In 238 innings — from 2007-10 — Okajima bolstered the team's bullpen, notching a 16-8 record and a 3.18 ERA. As a rookie, he was recognized for his efficiency when he was selected for the American League All-Star team.

But the momentum didn't continue. After posting a career-high 4.50 ERA in 2010, Okajima didn't make the Red Sox Opening Day roster in 2011. Despite a brief stint in the majors, he was designated for assignment in May.

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