The Hiroshima Carp agreed Monday to a one-year deal with pitcher Felix Diaz, a Dominican right-hander who played for the Charlotte Knights, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, in 2005.
The 25-year-old Diaz also has an option for 2007 in the deal.
For the Knights, Diaz posted a 6-8 record with a 5.00 ERA, striking out 108 in 21 starts.
Diaz was non-tendered after the 2005 season.
He last pitched in the majors in 2004, going 2-5 with a 6.75 ERA in 18 appearances for Chicago.
Elsewhere, former Chiba Lotte Marines pitcher Dan Serafini finally signed the previously reported two-year deal to join the Orix Buffaloes.
Orix was one of five teams after Serafini, who was 11-4 with a 2.91 ERA and 117 strikeouts in 2005 for Lotte.