Arihara started his career with the NPB and spent six seasons with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. His solid work at Japan’s highest level earned him a two-year, $6.2 million deal with the Rangers in December 2020. Arihara pitched for Texas in parts of two seasons from 2021 to 2022. He struggled to a 6.64 ERA in 10 starts with the Rangers in his first season. The results were even worse the following year, when Arihara posted a 9.45 ERA over five appearances. He was designated for assignment in September 2022 and elected to free agency at the end of the year.
The right back’s debut in the United States was marred by a serious injury early in the season. The team discovered an aneurysm in Arihara’s shoulder, leading to surgery that sidelined him until September. Arihara was crushed for nine earned runs in 12 innings after returning from the injury.
Arihara excelled in his return to NPB, putting together three productive seasons with the Hawks. He posted an impeccable 2.31 ERA in 17 starts with the team in 2023. Arihara nearly matched that mark over a longer run the following season, with a 2.36 ERA over 26 starts en route to 14 wins. He won another 14 games last season, although his ERA did exceed 3.00.
The 33-year-old Arihara appears to be past the health issues that plagued his previous MLB stint, pitching at least 175 innings in consecutive seasons. He’s certainly built some momentum toward a possible return to the big leagues. The Yahoo Japan report noted that the Yomiuri Giants are also interested in Arihara’s services.
Photo courtesy of Eric Canha, Imagn Images
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