Orix BlueWave closer Kazuo Yamaguchi on Saturday indicated he has put his plan to try out in the major leagues through the so-called posting system on hold and will play for the new team created by Orix's merger with the Osaka Kintetsu Buffloes next season.
"Of course I still want to take a shot at playing in the majors but I feel a sense of attachment (to Orix) and I've realized how much I'm needed," Yamaguchi said after holding talks with Orix club President Takashi Koizumi.
The 30-year-old right-hander posted a 3-3 record with 17 saves and a 3.79 ERA in 40 games this season. Yamaguchi's fastball has been clocked at 158 kph, matching the fastest on record in Japanese baseball.