The Devil Rays make their first agreement with a Japanese player when 31 year-old right-handed relief pitcher Shinji Mori signs a $1.4 million, two-year contract to play in Tampa Bay. The former Seibu Lion reliever was 44-44 with 50 saves and a 3.39 ERA, playing in 431 games during his tenure in Japan’s Pacific League.

This Day In Baseball

On January 11, 2006 — The Devil Rays make their first agreement with a Japanese player when 31 year-old right-handed relief pitcher Shinji Mori signs a $1.4 million, two-year contract to play in Tampa Bay. The former Seibu Lion reliever was 44-44 with 50 saves and a 3.39 ERA, playing in 431 games during his tenure in Japan’s Pacific League. He will never pitch in the major leagues, however.