Yasuhiko Yabuta

Yasuhiko Yabuta (薮田 安彦, Yabuta Yasuhiko, born June 19, 1973) is a Japanese former baseball pitcher.

Yasuhiko Yabuta
薮田 安彦
Pitcher
Born: (1973-06-19) June 19, 1973
Kishiwada, Osaka, Japan
Batted: Right Threw: Right
Professional debut
NPB: May 31, 1996, for the Chiba Lotte Marines
MLB: April 5, 2008, for the Kansas City Royals
Last appearance
MLB: October 4, 2009, for the Kansas City Royals
NPB: October 6, 2012, for the Chiba Lotte Marines
NPB statistics
Win–loss record48–72
Earned run average3.81
Strikeouts710
MLB statistics
Win–loss record3–4
Earned run average7.14
Strikeouts34
Teams
Career highlights and awards
Yasuhiko Yabuta
Medal record
Representing  Japan
Men's Baseball
World Baseball Classic
2006 San DiegoTeam

Yabuta made his professional debut with the Marines in 1996, and spent 12 years with the organization. He competed in the 2006 World Baseball Classic and struck out Alex Rodriguez, Johnny Damon, and Derrek Lee. He served as a setup man for the Marines in 2007 recording a 4–6 record with a 2.73 ERA in 58 games. After the season, he declared his free agency and came to America to pursue a Major League Baseball career. On November 22, 2007, the Kansas City Star reported that the Kansas City Royals agreed with Yabuta on a two-year contract with a club option for 2010.[1]

Yabuta officially signed with the Royals on November 28, 2007. He signed a two-year, $6,000,000 deal with the Kansas City Royals. The deal included a $4m club option for a third year. Yabuta was sent down to Triple-A Omaha Royals on June 25, 2008. He was designated for assignment on August 2 and was eventually sent outright to the minors. He was brought back to the Royals when the rosters expanded on September 1.

His teammates on the Royals have given him the nickname "Shake."[2]

On November 24, 2009, he signed a one-year deal with his old team Chiba Lotte, and he has remained with the team since.[3]

References
  1. Dutton, Bob. "Royals 'move on' after Hunter signs with Angels", November 22, 2007. Accessed November 23, 2007.
  2. Optometrist 2 for 2 at Fenway Accessed May 23, 2008.
  3. Yabuta returning to old club Lotte Accessed November 23, 2009.
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