The Orix Buffaloes said Wednesday they have reached an agreement to acquire Italian-born right-hander Alessandro Maestri from the Kagawa Olive Guyners in the independent Shikoku Island League Plus.
Maestri, 27, was a member of Italy's team in both the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006 and the 2009 WBC. A former minor leaguer, Maestri joined Kagawa this season and posted a 2-0 record with 12 saves and a 1.32 ERA in 30 games.
The Buffaloes are expected to use Maestri in their starting rotation.