Yuki Saito hasn't justified the hype that came with his being drafted by the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters in 2010, but the reigning Japan Series champions aren't giving up on him just yet.

The former amateur star, and current Fighters pitcher, made just 11 appearances for the top team this past season, logging an 0-1 record with a 4.56 ERA in 23⅔ innings.

Fighters manager Hideki Kuriyama was asked about Saito during his appearance at The Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan earlier this week.