The Seattle Mariners' all-time saves leader Kazuhiro Sasaki underwent tests at a Yokohama hospital Wednesday and was told he will need to undergo surgery to remove bone chips from his right elbow.
"The bone chips are like medium-size beans and are not as serious as the ones which paralyzed the nerves in his elbow last time," said Katsuhisa Yamada, who operated on Sasaki's elbow three years ago when he played for Yokohama BayStars.
"But I think it needs to be operated on as soon as possible," he added. Yamada will consult the Mariners' team doctor later this month before making a final decision.
"This will be my third operation so obviously I'm little concerned. But I guess what has to be done has to be done," Sasaki said.