Report: Uehara ends MLB career after signing deal in Japan

Koji Uehara has thrown his last pitch in the majors.

The veteran reliever reportedly inked a deal with the Yomiuri Giants to return to Japan, according to Carlos Yamazaki of the Tokyo Sports Press.

Uehara put together an impressive nine-year major-league career, one that didn't begin until age 34 when he came over from Yomiuri. He anchored the Boston Red Sox bullpen during their 2013 World Series-winning season. In 74 1/3 innings that year, the right-hander posted a 1.09 ERA, 0.56 WHIP and 101 strikeouts. He allowed just one earned run over the final three months of the regular season, while striking out 52 and walking two. He also secured the final out in Game 6 of the World Series.

After four years in Boston, Uehara agreed to a one-year, $6-million deal with the Chicago Cubs prior to last season. He fashioned a 3.98 ERA and 1.16 WHIP in 49 appearances.

Uehara received limited interest from teams this winter and despite wanting to pitch a 10th season in the majors, he said he would rather retire than accept a minor-league deal.