The Yomiuri Giants of the Central League sent right-hander Yusaku Iriki to the Nippon Ham Fighters of the Pacific League for outfielder Tatsuya Ide on a one-for-one trade deal, officials of the two clubs said Thursday.
The 31-year-old Iriki, a top draft pick for the Giants in 1997 with a 27-24 career record in 173 games, posted 13 wins in 2001 to claim a spot in the starting rotation, but failed to make a top-team appearance last season due to hamstring injuries on both legs.
The 32-year-old Ide is a 1994 second-round draft pick for the Fighters who batted .255 with 78 homers and 332 RBIs over his nine-year career. He won the Golden Glove award in 1997 and 2002 and is known for his strong arm and base-running skills.
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