Yokohama BayStars left-hander Hiroki Nomura said Thursday he will retire at the end of the season after struggling with a lingering elbow injury for four years.
Nomura, 33, joined the Taiyo Whales, Yokohama's predecessor, from PL Gakuen high school in 1988 as a third-round draft pick. He led the Central League with 17 wins in 1993 and helped Yokohama win the league title in 1998 with 13 wins.
"I had been hoping to come back to the top team in mid-September. But it turned out to be impossible and I made this decision (to retire) because I wasn't sure I would be able to work for the team next season," Nomura said.
Nomura had bone chips removed from his pitching elbow during the 1999 season and underwent the second elbow surgery of his career in May, which has left him with an 0-2 record in two starts this season.
He is 101-88 lifetime in 300 games with a 4.01 ERA.
Obando out of action
Nippon Ham Fighters outfielder Sherman Obando was diagnosed Thursday with a fractured bone after fouling off his left knee in Wednesday's game against the Seibu Lions.
Nippon Ham officials said the injury will require two weeks to completely heal, adding Obando -- who is hitting .263 with 26 homers this season -- will need to rest at least five days and may be taken off the active roster.
Nashida's job safe
OSAKA (Kyodo) The Kintetsu Buffaloes will give manager Masataka Nashida a contract extension for next season, club owner Wa Tashiro said Thursday.
The Buffaloes plan to offer Nashida another three-year contract to his current deal which expires this year.