Cubs Release Reliever Junichi Tazawa Who You Never Knew They Had
By Michael Luciano
Today's contestant on "Hey, That Guy Is Still Playing?" is reliever Junichi Tazawa, who made his name as a fireman on the 2013 champion Boston Red Sox. Since then, life in the MLB hasn't been great for Tazawa, as he's bounced from team to team, most recently signing a minor league deal with the Chicago Cubs.
After 19 games and a 4.00 ERA with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, Chicago cut bait with the 33-year-old Tazawa.
Cubs release Junichi Tazawa https://t.co/webqc1PR4r via @HardballTalk
— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) July 12, 2019
Tazawa first made a name for himself by skipping the NPB draft in Japan with the intent of signing in the MLB.
The right-hander got his wish when the Boston Red Sox picked him up and let him thrive in the bullpen. While his 1.23 ERA in the 2013 postseason will be his crowning achievement, Tazawa managed a 3.58 ERA in eight seasons with Boston.
Since they released him, he's bounced around the majors and minors, signing deals with the Marlins, Tigers, and Angels before his contract with the Cubs.
#Cubs release one-time #RedSox reliever Junichi Tazawa, 33, from his Triple-A deal. Tazawa broke into #MLB in 2009 with BOS, making 302 appearances through 2016 with a 3.58 ERA and a 1.23 ERA in 13 postseason games, all in 2013. pic.twitter.com/TuSSL0lAZ6
— Red Sox Nation PLUS+ (@RSNStatsPLUS) July 12, 2019
Tazawa has carved out a nice MLB career, but this could be the end for his baseball life in America. We'll see if another team is willing to take a shot on the veteran hurler, who last played in the big leagues in 2018 with the Angels.