The Los Angeles Dodgers said Tuesday they have signed Japanese right-hander Takashi Saito to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league spring training.
"I'm thrilled that my dream of signing with a major league organization came true," said Saito, 35. "I'm sure the competition will be fierce to make the opening-day roster. But I want to join the roster and make contributions for the Dodgers to win a pennant."
Saito left the Yokohama BayStars after posting a 3-4 record with a 3.82 ERA in 21 games in 2005, the last of his three-year contract with the Central League club.
The Dodgers are scheduled to introduce him at a news conference Wednesday.
Saito began his career in 1992 with the Taiyo Whales, the forerunner of the BayStars, as their first-round draft pick and has compiled an 87-80 record with 48 saves and a 3.80 ERA in 339 games.
In 1998, Saito helped Yokohama win its first Central League and Japan Series titles in 38 years, posting a solid 13-5 record with one save and a 2.94 ERA.