Orioles activate Japanese right hander Fujinami two days after trade with Oakland

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles activated Shintaro Fujinami earlier than Friday night time’s sport at Tampa Bay, two days after buying the Japanese right-hander from Oakland for left-hander Easton Lucas.

Fujinami signed a $3.25 million, one-year cope with the Athletics in January after spending 10 years with the Hanshin Tigers.

The deal has Fujinami going from the crew with the worst file in baseball to 1 with the AL’s prime mark.

“A little nervous,” Fujinami stated via a translator. “I mean, a lot more people watching the game.”

Fujinami went 5-8 with an 8.57 ERA in 34 video games with Oakland. He started the season as a starter however was shifted to the bullpen in late April.

Over his earlier 17 appearances since June 2, he’s 3-3 with a 3.28 ERA.

“I wasn’t feeling very comfortable with my pitching mechanics at the beginning of the season,” Fujinami stated.

Fujinami’s fastball reaches triple-digits.

“I’m excited to have him,” Baltimore supervisor Brandon Hyde stated. “His stuff is really good. Pitching really well in his last 10, 15 appearances.”

The Orioles optioned right-hander Logan Gillaspie to Triple-A Norfolk.