The Fukuoka Softbank Hawks removed ace right-hander Tadashi Settsu from the 28-man active roster on Saturday, a day after he allowed five runs in six innings.
In 12 games this season, Settsu has a 4-5 record with a 4.10 ERA, and has surrendered a career-high 12 home runs.
"I'm going to work on what I need to get results," said Settsu, who met with rookie skipper Kimiyasu Kudo. "I was getting hit hard and that's the reason for this."
Kudo, himself a former pitcher, said, "Our world is about results. No matter what you do, if it doesn't lead to results, no one will give you any credit."