Chicago Cubs reliever Kyuji Fujikawa is likely headed to the disabled list for the second time this season after he left Sunday's 5-4 win over the Cincinnati Reds with soreness in his right forearm.
The former Hanshin Tigers closer had just been activated on May 10 after landing on the DL on April 13 with a muscular strain in his right forearm. Cubs manager Dale Sveum said the injury is apparently in the same area as before.
Fujikawa took the mound with a 4-4 tie in the eighth inning and retired the side in order but the right-hander said he felt soreness on the first pitch to Joey Votto, who drew a walk, with two on and two outs in the ninth.
Athletic trainer Ed Halbur went to the mound and Fujikawa was lifted for Kevin Gregg. Fujikawa was scheduled to be examined on Monday in Chicago.
"There's nothing I can do since I feel pain" said Fujikawa. "It's a shock but I'll just have to talk it over with the trainer."