Baltimore Orioles pitcher Koji Uehara returned to Japan on Tuesday after an injury-hit rookie season in the major leagues.

"It's a shame that I wasn't able to maximize my potential," said the right-hander who went 2-4 with a 4.05 ERA in 12 starts this past season.

Uehara won his first two starts but went on the disabled list in late May with a strained left hamstring. After making his comeback, he then suffered a partially torn flexor tendon in his right elbow in June, went on the DL again and failed to recover in time for a return to the mound.

"I haven't played catch ball yet so I don't know what kind of condition I'm in. I have been told by the team to rest," Uehara said.

Deal finalized

Kyodo News

The Yomiuri Giants on Tuesday announced the acquisition of former Cleveland Indians right-hander Masahide Kobayashi.

Kobayashi joins the Japan Series champion on a one-year contract carrying an annual wage of ¥50 million plus performance-related bonuses of up to ¥100 million.

"If I didn't have confidence in myself, I wouldn't have put pen to paper," Kobayashi told a news conference. "I think I will be able to deliver strong performances."

Kobayashi recorded 227 saves, fourth on the all-time Japanese baseball list, over nine seasons with the Chiba Lotte Marines before joining the Indians as a free agent in 2008.

Carp sign Alvarado

HIROSHIMA (Kyodo) The Hiroshima Carp have signed Puerto Rican right-hander Giancarlo Alvarado to a one-year contract, the Central League club said Tuesday.

Alvarado played with the Los Angeles Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate Albuquerque Isotopes this past season, going 13-10 with a 3.49 ERA in 27 appearances.