The Boston Red Sox have acquired Japanese pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa from the Tampa Bay Rays for monetary considerations, the organizations announced on Wednesday.
Uwasawa, 30, joined the MLB this offseason from the Pacific League’s Nippon Ham Fighters.
He signed a minor league contract with the Rays but was told he wouldn’t make the team, so he used a contract clause to pursue a major league deal with another organization.
Uwasawa struggled in four spring training outings for the Rays, finishing 0-1 with a 13.03 ERA.
He joins outfielder Masataka Yoshida on the Red Sox roster, but is not anticipated to be ready for Opening Day on Thursday, according to local media.