Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters right-hander Anthony Bass is leaving the Japan Series champion after one season, the Pacific League club announced Tuesday.
The 29-year-old pitched both as a starter and in relief in 37 regular-season games as he went 8-8 with a 3.65 ERA. He then won three games in the Japan Series against the Hiroshima Carp.
A team source said Bass is seeking to return to the major leagues, where he has played for the San Diego Padres, the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers since his debut in 2011.