Chunichi Dragons right-hander Akinori Otsuka, who failed to draw a bid from the major leagues through the posting system last offseason, will be put up for auction for a second time, club officials said Sunday.
Otsuka was traded from the Osaka Kintetsu Buffaloes to Chunichi on a one-year cash deal in March after the Central League club reportedly agreed to include a clause in his contract saying he will be allowed to try moving to the majors again after a year of service.
Otsuka went 1-3 with 17 saves in 51 games this year with a 2.09 ERA.