Former Red Sox reliever Hirokazu Sawamura finds a new home for 2023
Former Red Sox reliever Hirokazu Sawamura has a new team for 2023 and he will pitch for the Chiba Lotte Marines of the Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball Organization. Sawamura made the announcement himself on his personal Instagram page on Saturday.
“Today, I officially signed and agreed with Chiba Lotte Marines. We’ll fight behind the cheers of Japan’s hottest fans! Thank you for your support,” wrote Sawamura.
At the beginning of January, it was reported by Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe that the former Red Sox righty was looking for another return in the US versus playing in Japan.
Boston released Sawamura in September after an up and down 2022 season. The 34-year-old requested his release in order to pursue other opportunities. Through 53 innings this season he posted a 3.06 ERA.
Sawamura struggled pitching at Fenway Park this season. In 29 1/3 innings, he pitched to a 5.83 ERA giving up 19 earned runs. On the road, he was far better in 21 1/3 innings he posted a 0.84 ERA.
The right-handed hurler had spent two seasons with the Red Sox. During that time frame he posted a 3.39 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and opponents have hit .238 against him in 103 2/3 innings of work.
Sawamura returns to Japan where he pitched for a decade posting a 2.77 ERA across 868 1/3 innings.
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