The Cubs have released veteran right-hander Junichi Tazawa from their Triple-A affiliate in Iowa, as first reported by broadcaster Alex Cohen (Twitter link). He’ll return to the open market in search of a new opportunity as numerous clubs seek out bullpen depth in advance of the July 31 trade deadline.
Tazawa, who turned 33 last month, got a late start on his season but has appeared in 19 games with Iowa, pitching to an even 4.00 ERA with a 17-to-6 K/BB ratio through 18 innings in that time. He’s coming off an ugly two-year stint with the Marlins and Angels, during which time he logged a 6.16 ERA, 7.1 K/9 and 4.1 BB/9 in 83 1/3 innings of work.
Prior to signing an ill-fated two-year deal worth a guaranteed $12MM in Miami, Tazawa was a generally solid setup piece in the Boston bullpen. From 2012-16, he racked up 78 holds and four saves while pitching to a 3.20 ERA (3.08 FIP) with a pristine 291-to-61 K/BB ratio over the life of 283 2/3 innings (plus another 7 1/3 frames of one-run ball in the 2013 postseason).
Tazawa’s average fastball velocity was down considerably from its 93.9 mph peak this past season, averaging 91.5 mph, and his 7.1 percent swinging-strike rate was his lowest since his 2009 rookie campaign in Boston. He did enjoy a strong spring with the Cubs, as he notched 5 2/3 shutout innings with nine strikeouts, no walks and just a pair of hits allowed. That, paired with his respectable output in Iowa, could suggest that Tazawa has something left in the tank, although he’ll quite likely need to prove that on another minor league deal before returning to the Major with a new club.
Ok
Who?
Try to keep up.
Indeed, who are you?
His big thing was not going into the Japanese draft pool and coming straight to US baseball. I remember there was worry in the Japanese league that other players might do this too. Always seemed to have the Yankees number too with Boston
The only player to make the leap straight from “School of Commerce” to MLB
He was worked hard in Boston. Over use has to be part of his decline.
Absolutely. Farrell abused him.
I remember when Boston was thinking of using him as closer but never did. Best of luck in free agency Junichi!
Guy was nasty and bridged to the closer … his time and day are up!
He’s 33..not 38.. most middle inning pen guys are just hitting their prime at 33
He costs nothing to sign to minors deal… Red Sox should see whats there for the next few weeks in Pawtucket.
Even if they get 25 useful innings at the MLB level, for a prorated league minimum.. that may be enough to rest Brasier and Barnes a bit. While Eovaldi works his way back.
Doubt he has anything left given the overuse by Farrell. That said, the Sox have nothing to lose as you state.
Mets will sign him desperate for relief
Oh damn, didn’t realize he was still playing.
He’s 33…not 43
Overused in Boston
Would be an excellent pick up for the rockies.
I take this a sign that the cubs are gonna make some kinda move to add some one to the roster, by opening up space in aaa, to put someone down when the time comes.