The Seibu Lions have signed right-hander Brian Wolfe, the Pacific League club announced Wednesday.
The 35-year-old Wolfe has pitched six seasons in Japan, the first four with the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, and the last two with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks. He has a career record of 39-32 with a 3.22 ERA in Japan.
In June of 2014, Wolfe had surgery to repair medial collateral ligament damage in his right elbow. His contract is estimated to be worth ¥15 million with additional performance based incentives.
"I needed a break coming off surgeries. Having some time down was extra good for my arm. I feel great. I feel comfortable," he told a press conference at the Lions' offices in Saitama Prefecture.
"They (the Lions) have a lot of good young hitters, so it will be nice to be on this side of the coin for once. Pitching against them, they were always tough, that's something that lasted over the six years I played here.
"I hope to attack hitters and let them put the ball in play"
The Lions, who started the day in fifth place, will need to gain ground against both of Wolfe's former teams. Wolfe said he is relishing the chance to pitch against Nippon Ham.
"I've pitched against the Hawks before but I've never pitched against the Fighters — even though I was with the Hawks," he said. "That one will be a little more special after four years with those guys. That will be a fun time."