(Source: media outlet via JP 2nnews.com)

The Hanshin Tigers are currently on the foreign market in search of new arms to bolster their bullpen staff this season, as former Major leaguers; current Tigers closer Marcos Mateo (currently in the DL due to right shoulder inflammation) and set-up man Rafael Dolis (currently in Ni-gun, or minors, due to performance issues) failing the teams’ expectations due to a combination of both injuries and struggles, the team has been forced to look for other options elsewhere…and that is looking for pitchers (relievers) overseas with Major League experience.

Hanshin is currently one man short of the required 70-man (as they only have 69 players for now in the active roster)… they are looking to sign one or two of the 4 names that are on their list of candidates… here are the list of names that they have on their radar, for now; Al Alburquerque (29, currently with the LA Angels organization), Edward Mujica (32, with the Phillies organization), Pedro Beato (29, with the Orioles organization) and lastly, Miguel Socolovich (29, with the St.Louis Cardinals organization). The team is hoping to narrow down their options some time this upcoming June.

Via link above, it certainly looks like the Hanshin Tigers are leaning more towards Phillies pitcher Edward Mujica, as they are impressed with his current track record he has shown throughout his years playing in the bigs, and 50 saves recorded (career high 37 saves playing for the Cardinals in year 2009)… calling it, “outstanding”… Miguel Socolovich is also close, cause other than his experience playing in the big leagues, and a handful in the minors… Socolovich also played for the NPB Central League based Hiroshima Toyo Carp in year 2013 as a reliever, posting an ERA of 0.29 in 11.1 innings pitched (though he didn’t last that long, as he was injured mostly in that year… and was released eventually by his team).