Right-hander Fumiya Nishiguchi, a 182-game winner for the Seibu Lions, is poised to retire, an informed source said Saturday.
The 42-year-old, who is scheduled to make the announcement at a news conference in the coming days, is in his 21st season with Seibu. Nishiguchi has pitched in just one game this season, allowing four runs in four innings on May 28 and taking a loss against the Yomiuri Giants.
Nishiguchi, the Lions' third draft pick in 1994, has not won a game since 2012. He went 16-10 as a sophomore in 1996, and after starting on Opening Day the following season, Nishiguchi went 15-5 to lead the Pacific League in wins. With the Lions capturing the pennant that season, Nishiguchi was the PL MVP and Sawamura Award winner.
His career mark stands at 182-118 with six saves and a 3.73 ERA.