The Diamondbacks have designated Takashi Saito for assignment following yesterday's three-team deal, according to their official transactions page. Saito was already set to hit the open market this winter, so the move essentially just removes him from the 40-man roster in advance.
The D'Backs signed Saito to a one-year, $1.75MM deal last December after the veteran drew interest from at least five other teams. The right-hander was sidelined for most of the season with a calf injury after a hamstring strain kept him out of action for the bulk of 2011. Across the last two seasons, Saito has pitched just 38 and 2/3 innings.
Never count out Saito.. The man with the “repaired by injection” arm.
Tampa Bay, all the way.. Friedman probably has got him on speed dial. Perfect 7-8th inning guy for the Rays, who always was as nasty as they come, even at 40+YO.
Hopefully the Red Sox will kick around the idea of bringing him back on a minor league deal. Even at 43 next season, he would be worth a gamble.
ALL for it.. I just don’t see the space, not when they couldn’t find even a 15 day spot for Alex Wilson last year.
Duquette and the Orioles come to mind as well, but yeah.. I’d love to see him back in Boston.
Saito has been very effective since coming over from Japan. Give him a minor league deal. Low risk, high reward