Naoyuki Uwasawa Explained

is a Japanese professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.^[1] He has previously played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters and in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox.^[2]

Career

Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters

Uwasawa debuted for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2014. He was selected to the 2018 NPB All-Star game.^[3] On October 10, 2018, he was selected Japan national baseball team at the 2018 MLB Japan All-Star Series.^[4]

After the 2023 season, the Fighters posted Uwasawa to Major League Baseball teams.^[5]

Boston Red Sox

On January 11, 2024, Uwasawa signed a minor league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays.^[6] On March 27, after triggering an assignment clause in his contract, he was traded to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations.^[7] The next day, he was selected to the 40-man roster and optioned to extended spring training.^{[8] [9]} On April 28, Uwasawa was recalled from the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox and promoted to the majors for the first time.^[10] On May 2, Uwasawa made his MLB debut, pitching two innings in a game against the San Francisco Giants; he collected his first MLB strikeout, against Michael Conforto. Uwasawa was optioned to Triple–A on May 8.^[11] Uwasawa was designated for assignment by the Red Sox on July 9.^[12] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Worcester on July 13.^[13] Uwasawa elected free agency on October 31.^[14]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Stiefel . Keagan . 2024-05-02 . Red Sox Newcomer Makes History In Big League Debut . 2024-05-03 . NESN.com . en-US.
2. Web site: Naoyuki Uwasawa Japanese Leagues Statistics & History.
3. Web site: マイナビオールスターゲーム2018 出場者 . NPB.jp 日本野球機構 . Japanese . August 13, 2018 .
4. Web site: 「2018日米野球」に出場する侍ジャパントップチーム選手全28名が決定 . 野球日本代表 侍ジャパン オフィシャルサイト . Japanese . October 10, 2018 . October 14, 2018 .
5. Web site: MLB negotiation window opens for Japanese pitchers Imanaga, Uwasawa .
6. Web site: MLB: Rays sign Japanese pitcher Naoyuki Uwasawa to minor league deal . The Mainichi . January 11, 2024.
7. Web site: 2024-03-27 . Red Sox To Acquire Naoyuki Uwasawa From Rays . 2024-03-27 . MLB Trade Rumors . en-US.
8. Web site: Red Sox Select Joely Rodriguez, Naoyuki Uwasawa. March 28, 2024. mlbtraderumors.com. 28 March 2024 . en.
9. Web site: Red Sox Roster & Staff: Transactions . MLB.com . Boston Red Sox . March 2024 . March 27, 2024.
10. Web site: Red Sox Designate Joely Rodriguez For Assignment, Recall Naoyuki Uwasawa. April 28, 2024. mlbtraderumors.com. 28 April 2024 . en.
11. News: Just days after being traded, Red Sox designate ex-Tiger infielder for assignment . Matthew . Ehler . mlive.com . MSN.com . May 8, 2024 . May 8, 2024.
12. Web site: 2024-07-09 . Red Sox Designate Naoyuki Uwasawa For Assignment . 2024-07-09 . MLB Trade Rumors . en-US.
13. Web site: Red Sox's Naoyuki Uwasawa: Outrighted to Worcester. July 15, 2024. cbssports.com. en.
14. https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-10-31