The San Diego Padres said they have called up right-hander Kazuhisa Makita from the minors Saturday, the day after the National League team optioned the Japanese to Triple-A El Paso.
The 33-year-old reliever was summoned from El Paso to cover for left-hander Jose Castillo, who was placed on the 10-day disabled list Saturday with a hamstring strain.
Makita moved to the majors on a two-year deal over the winter, but has been sent down to the minors three times so far in the season. He is 0-1 in 22 games with a 5.84 ERA.
He was the closer for the Japanese national team at the World Baseball Classic last spring, and went 53-49 with 25 saves in seven seasons with the Seibu Lions in Nippon Professional Baseball.