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.
Chicago Cubs reliever Koji Uehara (neck) will head to the disabled list on Wednesday with a neck issue. Uehara left the game Tuesday after showing some discomfort on the mound. Uehara has a 3.55 ERA over 38 innings this year, but he has struggled in the second half. Justin Grimm will be called up to take his place.
With Chicago Cubs closer Wade Davis having recorded saves the last two days, reliever Koji Uehara earned the chance on Sunday against the Cardinals. Uehara got the first batter to fly out and then struck out the next two to earn his second save of the year. It is interesting to note that it was Uehara who got the ninth while reliever Carl Edwards stayed pitching in his usual eighth-inning role. If you're the vulture save type of person and Davis is due for some rest, Uehara may be more useful.
Chicago Cubs reliever Koji Uehara earned his first save in a Cubs uniform on Thursday against the Reds. Relief pitcher Brian Duensing started the ninth, but Uehara got the call after Duensing loaded the bases without recording an out. Uehara gave up a sacrifice fly to the first batter with the run being tagged to Duensing, and then struck out the next two to finish the game. Uehara finished throwing just 10 pitches, all for strikes. Uehara likely won't get many more save chances, as closer Wade Davis and reliever Carl Edwards were seemingly unavailable, but his stock rose a touch on Thursday.
