Nippon Ham Fighters pitcher Yusaku Iriki had his hopes of pursuing a career in the major leagues dashed Wednesday after failing to draw a bid via the so-called posting system.

The 33-year-old right-hander's options include becoming a free agent to negotiate directly with major league teams and asking the Fighters to conduct bidding procedures again.

Swallows signings

The Yakult Swallows said Wednesday they have re-signed infielder Adam Riggs and right-handed pitcher Rick Guttormson to one-year contracts.

The contracts are worth $670,000 for Riggs and $400,000 for Guttormson. Riggs hit .306 with 14 homers and 44 RBIs in 107 games, while Guttormson posted an 8-5 record with a 4.18 ERA in 16 games.

Five of Yakult's foreign players who played this past season will all stay with the team in 2006.