SAPPORO (Kyodo) The Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters announced Friday the acquisition of slugging infielder Jason Botts, who has played in 15 games for the Texas Rangers this season.

The switch-hitting Botts, who also plays outfield, and the Pacific League club have agreed on a ¥40 million deal that runs through the end of the 2008 season.

The 27-year-old has hit .230 with five homers and 28 RBIs in 93 games in his major league career that began in 2006. This year, he was designated for assignment in late April after batting just .158 with two homers with the Rangers.