LH pitcher, Phil Coke (34), and 3B/RH pitcher, Matt West (27), will most likely be playing their next season in NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) with the Orix Buffaloes, of the Pacific League. Via link, the Orix Buffaloes team is looking to sign both pitchers to a one-year deal with added incentives. Contract details will soon be known before the end of the month, at the earliest.

According to the team, left-handed pitcher Phil Coke will be used primarily as a starter next season, while right-handed pitcher Matt West will be used mostly for bullpen help (no news yet if ever he’ll be playing on the field as a position player).

Phil Coke played for 9 years there at the Major league level for a total of 5 different teams (Tigers, Yankees, Pirates, Cubs, and Blue Jays respectively)… he currently owns a 22-27 record with a 4.19 ERA in 407 games played (421 innings pitched) in his big league career, used mostly as a reliever.

Matt West played in the Major leagues for 2 seasons (Rangers and Dodgers). Overall, he pitched 7 innings with an earned run average of 3.86 in 5 games played in his short big league career. In his minor league career, he owns a 11-11 record with an earned run average of 3.54 in 156 games played (203.2 innings pitched), as a reliever.