Koji Uehara Stats
- Height / Weight
- 6' 2" / 195 lbs.
- Date of Birth (Age)
- 4/3/1975 (48)
- Experience
- 9
Koji Uehara Season Stats
Last 10 Games
Koji Uehara News
Free-agent relief pitcher Koji Uehara thinks that he still can play at a high level, and Carlos Yamazaki of the Tokyo Sports Press reports that Uehara is unwilling to accept a minor league contract and is now looking to sign with a team in Japan. Barring a change of heart from a major league club, it looks like Uehara's career in the States is over. The veteran reliever will turn 43 in April, but he is coming off a fine season that saw him post a 3.98 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 50/12 K/BB ratio over 43 relief innings for the Cubs. It is a little surprising, even given his age, that he could not find a team willing to give him a guaranteed contract.
Free-agent relief pitcher Koji Uehara said he expects to retire after one more season in 2018, although he's not interested in signing a minor league deal. "I want to play this year, for one more year," the free-agent right-hander said at a baseball clinic in Fukushima. "If I get a contract, I'm more than 90 percent certain that this will be the end." Uehara will turn 43 this April and struck out 50 batters in 43 innings with the Cubs in 2017. However, his 12 walks were the most he allowed since 2009. He said he'll retire if he's only offered a minor league deal. The Japanese right-hander could be a useful addition to a bullpen as a veteran presence, but he won't have any fantasy value no matter where he lands.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Koji Uehara (knee) threw a simulated game today. The reliever has been dealing with a right knee infection. Uehara has a 3.98 ERA in late inning work for the Cubs this year and doesn't hold any value. Even if current closer Wade Davis were to get hurt, Pedro Strop would like take over. There is still no timetable as to when Uehara will return but he can remain on the waiver wire.
