Athletics sign Japanese star Shintaro Fujinami to 1-year deal

The Oakland Athletics signed Japanese right-hander Shintaro Fujinami to a one-year contract, the team announced.

Fujinami, 28, was posted by the NPB's Hanshin Tigers in early December after 10 years with the club.

He's expected to join Oakland's starting rotation, which currently includes Cole Irvin, Paul Blackburn, James Kaprielian, and Ken Waldichuk.

Fujinami posted a 2.77 ERA last year over 107 1/3 innings, including 25 starts.

Over his decade-long career in NPB, Fujinami boasts a 3.41 ERA and 1.35 WHIP while throwing 994 1/3 innings in 189 games. He has a 9.2 K/9, 4.2 BB/9, and 0.6 HR/9.

To make room for Fujinami on the 40-man roster, Oakland designated right-hander Tyler Cyr for assignment.