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Hanshin announced on July 1st that it has reached a deal to acquire infielder Jason Rogers (29) from the Pittsburgh Pirates’ AAA club.

Rogers was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 32nd round of the 2010 draft, and made his MLB debut in September 2014. Through the end of 2016, Rogers played in 117 major league games, hitting .258 with 4 home runs, 18 RBIs. This includes a .296 average in 86 games during the 2015 season. This season he has played first base and designated hitter in AAA, batting .289 and hitting 9 home runs with 34 RBIs in 69 games.

Hanshin manager Tomoaki Kanemoto said on June 30th, “The sooner we can get him, the better. I want to see a change in this team,” indicating he would use Rogers at first base. Hanshin club chairman Takano responded to media requests for a comment, saying, “He is a mid-power to big-power hitter, and we have big expectations for him to contribute with his bat.” The new import will cross the ocean and join a Tigers club that is mired in a slump, and hopes are high that he will emancipate them from their hardship.

Plans are for him to arrive in the earlier part of this month. But because of visa acquisition procedures and other paperwork, he will likely not be able to participate in game action until after the all-star break at the earliest.